London Marathon - April 2026

Sunday 26th April saw 6 Thurrock Harriers take to the streets of London for the 2026 London Marathon.

There's a rich Thurrock Harrier history in the event and as the temperature rose to a high of 18 degrees and 70% humidity, our Harriers hoped to write some history of their own.

Performance of the day came from Kirsty Osborn who ran a very well judged London debut to finish in a PB of 3.03.35, a 12 minute PB and it gains her a coveted Championship entry for next year. That's a huge achievement and more to come for Kirsty.

Running with Kirsty until Mile 15 was Hayley Nye who was also running in collaboration with the Puma running team, adorning a colourful outfit with a fair amount of pink! Hayley had injury issues in the build up to London so she should be very chuffed with her 3.12.08. That will easily give her good for age entry next year should she come back for more. A successful 10th marathon for her.

Gloria Bullen was the 3rd Harrier on the female side, having to re-set her goals mid race she still managed an excellent 5.01.19, coming 16th in the v70 women's category.

On the Men's side best performance came from Simon Hatcher who continues his PB charge, Simon was over 5 hours on his Marathon time not long ago so he'll be delighted with his 4.15.45 PB. Surely sub 4 has to be next on the list for him.

Bernie Johnson, running in the v70 category now managed a very solid 4.56.00. It's not quite his sub 3 days back in 1988 but given the cramping issues he had and how he gritted his teeth to get to the finish he should be pleased with that.

Alec Finch managed 2.57.30, having failed to show some respect for the heat with his early pacing, a good first 20 mile time was followed by some cramping in the last 10k which scuppered any PB plans.

Final shout out has to go to the Thurrock Harriers cheering sections on the course: Kathryn Spring and Victoria Peacock were in full voice and the Willett's were extremely vocal, Keith Willett providing a lot of passion at miles 14 and 21! A good day for all with an easy week to follow.

London Marathon 2026 Finishers for Thurrock Harriers:

Alec Finch - 2.57.30

Kirsty Osborn - 3.03.35 PB

Hayley Nye - 3.12.08

Simon Hatcher - 4.15.45 PB

Bernie Johnson - 4.56.00

Gloria Bullen - 5.01.19