The Oakley 20 was hosted by Bedford Harriers on Sunday, but Fred Watt was the only LBAC member to make the trip up to North Bedfordshire for this London Marathon preperation race. Over an undulating course around the picturesque countryside Fred ran a very respectable 2:33:26, which, whilst it was a little slower than previous years was still quick enough to earn him second place in the V60 category.

Whilst Fred was in Oakley, Joe Hurley went off to Finchley for their own 20 mile race as a test to check that he was good to go for London following a calf injury. The answer seems to be yes, as he completed the course in 2:23:43 and was the fourth V50 across the finish line. As long as the legs recover, a couple more long runs and Joe will undoubtedly make it round yet another London marathon.

While two of the chaps in marathon training went off for 20 mile races, Joby headed back to his native part of the world to take part in the Devizes 10K. After an injury hit winter, he was very pleased to finish the course in 19^th place and a decent time of 38:44. He's obviously got the speed in his legs for a good run at London, the question is whether he's got the miles!