Marathon - Look out for Paddy in London's big run (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Marathon - Look out for Paddy in London's big run

10:13am Thursday 14th April 2011 in Sport

WATCH out for Westmorland Gazette reporter Patrick O’Kane, who will join charity runners on the start line for Sunday’s Lonbdon Marathon race as he aims to raise £2,500 for the Epilepsy Society.

Patrick said: “It is my first marathon and I have had an injury setback of late so I will be happy to just get round the course. I am getting quite excited for the race as its one I’ve longed to do for many years, so hopefully I will power through and collect my medal at the end.”

Bowness athlete Rebecca Robinson has withdrawn from the marathon with a back injury.

Robinson, who finished last year’s event in 20th and fourth British woman, suffered the injury at the turn of the year and had to take the agonising decision to postpone her next run around London until 2012.

She said: “The injury is starting to come right now but I couldn’t have done it on Sunday.

“I got injured at the start of the year but it was difficult to assess so only really decided later on.

“ The injury relates to the way I run so I’m going back to the drawing board, but in the long term I will hopefully have a better race next year.”

Robinson, a doctor in Sheffield, said she hopes to run a few 10kms later this year to get back up to speed.

Ambleside’s Gary Thorpe is hoping to break the 2 hr 45 min barrier at the London Marathon this year after completing the 16.7 mile Coniston 14+ in 1.48.13 on Saturday.