RUNNERS from in-and-around Royston conquered the gruelling Virgin London Marathon on Sunday raising cash for their chosen charities. The Crow caught up with the long-distance champs after the race to find out how they got on.

Mandy Jinkerson’s two boys Adam, 20, and Dan, 18, ran much of the 26-mile course together.

The eldest, who is currently at university in Leicester, completed the Virgin London Marathon in 4:20 securing just under �300 for Childline.

Although the exertion hit him hard the event has left a positive mark on Adam.

“It was amazing, just really good,” he said.

“Canary Wharf was great just on that stretch there was so much support in that area, from there to the last five miles was incredible.

“There were points where you thought you could have given up but there were people shouting your name, carrying you along and getting you running again.”

After the 26-miles were up Adam said he would never do it again but now says he would consider doing it again.

The sentiment was shared by his brother, who made it round in 4:41 – beating his mother’s previous time – and raised over �1,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Dan said: “It went really well it was a really good experience and the crowds were really amazing and helped you round.

“I think I saw all my family on Tower Bridge around the 13-mile mark and I was with my brother at this time.

“I started to hit the wall around that mark and I think because they had a poster it gave me a boost to get round the course.”

To donate to Adam log on to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AdamJinkerson or check out http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/danjinkerson to give cash to Dan’s chosen charity.

*THE chairman of a group behind a Royston charity challenge finished her first marathon raising over �1,400 for the Teenage Cancer Trust

Royston in Blue Committee is the brains behind the Pink Ribbon Run/Walk, which has this year changed its name to Royston in Blue.

And chairman Lisa Thompson was in the pink, completing her first Virgin London Marathon in 7:12 mins.

She said: “Although I was in pain for the last four miles and the weather changed from very sunny to very cold, windy and wet, I was determined to finish.

“I was not worried about finishing in a time. I just wanted to complete it and I have raised over �1,400 for Teenage Cancer Trust which will go to the new ward at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.”

The four-mile Pink Ribbon Run/Walk will take place on Sunday, June 24, on Therfield Heath with all money going towards the Teenage Cancer Trust and the ward at Addenbrookes Hospital.

Last year’s event secured �18,000 and the group wants to get as many people as possible to enter.

Entrance forms are available from shops in the town or go onto the website www.roystoninblue.co.uk

To donate to Lisa log on to www.justgiving.com/Lisa-Thompson150366

*A MOTHER-OF-TWO has raised over �2,500 by running her first marathon.

Wendy Gurr, of Curlew Crescent in Royston, made it round the Virgin London Marathon course in 5:46 and was running for The Amy Wallace Magpie trust.

She said: “It was great, it was just hard work obviously especially with it being my first marathon.

“I wanted to get round in under six hours with it being my first marathon and I didn’t stop or walk once which I found more amazing.

“I think having watched it so much on telly it was just when you run down into the Mall and see the finish line it is just the most amazing feeling when you realise you’re about to finish and really fantastic.”

To donate to Mrs Gurr log on to www.virginmoneygiving.com/WendyGurr