ATHLETES from Rotherham Running Club turned out in force at the Manchester Marathon, the second largest marathon in the country.

With more than 40,000 participants, the club’s runners rose to the occasion.

Leading the way were Sarah Horner and Matt Taylor, both delivering outstanding performances to record sub-3:15 marathon times. Joanne Raynor-Johnson excelled with a superb personal best, narrowly missing the four-hour mark, while Louise Siddall also enjoyed a strong run.

On his marathon debut, Max Ramsden looked composed throughout, and Lauren Beasley earned the title of “Manchester Legend” by completing her fourth consecutive Manchester Marathon.

Marathon men and women: Manchester Marathon finishers, Lauren Beasley, Max Ramsden, Louise Siddall and Joanne Raynor-Johnson.

placeholder image — Marathon men and women: Manchester Marathon finishers, Lauren Beasley, Max Ramsden, Louise Siddall and Joanne Raynor-Johnson.

Closer to home at the Dronfield 10K, new member Jack York produced a remarkable performance, finishing 7th overall in a time of 36:46. Neil Hodgkinson continued his excellent form, crossing the line in 45:28, while the ever-consistent April Farthing finished in 50 minutes.

Strong runs from Gemma Grant, Richard Strewardson and Robin Williamson saw them finish close behind, while Craig Hardeman, Stuart Frith and Sarah Meyers showed great determination to complete the challenging course in just over an hour.