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HARDY Harrovians of all ages took up the challenge of the London Marathon on Sunday, braving the elements to clock up impressive times and even more impressive charity hauls.

Nic Ford, a teacher at Whitmore High School in South Harrow, completed the course in 3hrs55. He said: "I was hoping for just under 3hrs45 but got a foot injury on the cobbles, and had to struggle for the last four miles or so. Nevertheless, I am really pleased to break four hours." He raised £2,700 for Leukaemia Care.

Investment banker Ronak Drowne, 27, of Hatch End, raised more than £2,000 for Cancer Research UK by finishing in just over five hours. It was Ronak's maiden marathon but he now plans to take on the New York event in November. He said: "I'm happy I completed the course but it has left me in the sincerest pain. It was absolutely exhilarating, and I think I gained about four miles from the support of the crowd. I've proved to myself I can cover the distance now so I'm trying to convince some friends to run New York with me."

Piyush Gudka, 48, from Stanmore, led a group of Indian runners and finished in just under 3hrs43. He was pleased to beat his teammates despite being the oldest among them. He estimates his group raised over £10,000 for their charities, Sewa International and the Shishukunj Project. The other members of Piyush's group to complete were: Kaushik Shah, 3:50; Amit Shah, 4:19; Neerav Shah, 4:22; Harish Shah,4:36; Jayshree Shah, 4:51; Romal Shah, 4:55; Pravina Patel, 4:58; Amarjit Tanda, 5:12; Rasik Shah, 5:32; Anuj Shah, 5:34; Sanjay Shah, 5:37; and Dinesh Gorasia, 5hrs40 Linza Kerr, of Edgware, who ran the course in full Brownie uniform, crossed the finish line in 4hrs30. But fitness instructor Linza, 27, was a little disappointed. She said: "I was all set for a sub-four hour time but with two miles to go I pulled a muscle in my leg. I was gutted but the phenomenal support of the crowd spurred me on to finish. They were all cheering 'Come on Brownie!'."

A team of 35 runners representing Norwood, the children and family services charity based in Stanmore, raised £80,000. With a best time of 3hrs35, the group boasted GMTV presenters Kate Garraway and Clare Nasir; 63-year-old Flora Frank from Edgware, who has nine grandchildren and this year completed her eleventh marathon; and Norwood's head of marketing, William Jones. Ian Tate, the charity's head of challenges, said: "Our runners have shown such an massive amount of perseverance, dedication and courage by running this year's London Marathon. I would like to say thank you on behalf of the team at Norwood Challenges and all the people who will benefit from the huge amount of money they have raised."

5:02pm Thursday 22nd April 2004

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