TOBY Lambert, who took up serious running only four years ago when he and his family took over the Alton Sports Shop, finished a remarkable 29th in the London Marathon on Sunday. The 25-year-old Alton Joggers member recorded 2hrs 21mins 24secs, taking 13 minutes off his previous best time. Lambert fully justified his late inclusion in the men's 'elite start', a reward for the fine form he has shown on the road over the last two months, after a lay-off due to injury. There were the usual mixed fortunes for other club members. One to miss out was 40-year- old Dave Carter who had a previous 2hrs 54mins to his credit and was in good shape to lower this time. However, stomach pains forced him to stop and although he continued after a while, his legs 'tied up' and he had to be satisfied with 3-00-01. In contrast, Shirley Worsfold and Debbie Rhodes both took large chunks off their previous best times, Shirley coming home in 3-23-01 and Debbie in 3-28-02. Next home for Alton was Keith Parrish in 3- 35-36, followed closely by 63-year-old Mick Hooker in 3-36-12. Other Alton times: Jackie Scarfe 3-52-00, Steve Beckett 3-53-54, Teresa Burton 4-18- 39, Kevin Matthews 4-19-38, Geoff Scarfe 4- 23-56, Cathy Stewart 4-25-47, Ricky Boyes 4-48-10.
