Clapham Pioneers run Paris Marathon It’s Sunday 7th April and 50,000 runners hit the sparkling streets of Paris. Among them were seven local runners from Clapham Pioneers, attracting many shouts of "Go (and even Allez), Clapham!" as the orange vests streaked past.
The Clapham Pioneers, now 4 years old with a membership approaching 100, has a touching history.
It was started by resident Tim Slee in memory of his father Ian who was a much-loved and dedicated founder member of Looe Pioneers, in Cornwall.
When his father died of a brain haemorrhage Tim set up this local club as a tribute. The word ‘Pioneers’ on their strip emphasises this heritage, with the initials ‘i’ and ‘s’ given prominence.
The runners – Georgina Don, Jo Winnick, Dan Carter, Peter Clarkson, Martin Davison, Paul Moran and Henry Wilson (the pioneers’ Membership Secretary) - swapped their dark, cold training grounds of South-west London for the glamour of a city run, taking in all the major sights, starting and ending in the shadow of the Arc de Triomphe.
They all produced personal best times, led in by Henry Wilson at under three hours, and changed the Clapham Pioneers orange livery for the green ‘Paris Finisher’ T-shirts.
Afterwards Henry said "That’s the thing with these events – everyone can feel ‘elite’.”
Jo Winnick added:” It even puts a spring in your step as you limp back down the uber-fashionable Champs Elysees in these official blue plastic ponchos!”.
I say Bravo, Clapham! I had a great day cheering them on - yes, I'm a proud Mum!
Based on information supplied by Anne Farmer.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here