A PETERSFIELD doctor was quick to give a self- diagnosis after running the London Marathon: "I'm chuffed but stiff as a board!" Guy Cunliffe, a GP at the Swan Surgery in Petersfield, completed the gruelling 26.2-mile circuit around the streets of the nation's capital in an impressive three hours 16 minutes. And the 35-year-old's road-running efforts raised £2,000 for SENSE – the National Deafblind and Rubella Association. He said: "I was really chuffed with the time, as I was aiming for around three and a half hours, so I chalked off 14 minutes." Guy, who was running his first marathon after missing out last year because of shin splints, prepared for the race with a few 20-mile jogs, having previously run half-marathons and twice completed the 10-mile Great South Run in Southsea. And he said he was keen to race again in London next April. Guy added: "I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone for their support. It was a very emotional day." Meanwhile, beating the Masa was Moony Budge's over-riding memory of this year's centenary London Marathon, after the Steep resident completed the course in five hours three minutes. The part-time teacher and mum of three took time out from soaking in the bath to reflect upon her achievement, which raised £4,000 for Save The Children. "It was long," she said, "but it was a great, uplifting experience with all the people cheering. Little children with hands full of sweets just kept you going, as it did when people shouted your name. "I could never have done it without the encouragement. It was interesting going through the Docklands area, as there was a great sense of community spirit. "I was particularly popular outside pubs, as I had 'Moony' printed on my shirt!" she said. "I'm not a runner," she continued, "I could barely do two miles on the treadmill when I started training in September, but I was delighted to finish the course. "Happily, I didn't hit 'the wall' as I knew If I put in the carbohydrates and minerals it would be all right," she said. "Would I do it again? No. I will keep the fitness going, though," she added. As chairman of the committee of the Petersfield and district branch of Save The Children, diligent Moony was straight back into the deep end this week, preparing for another marathon event – the three- day Good as New clothes sale at the Festival Hall. "My feet are fine," she said. "The shoes were great, but going downstairs and bending down are really difficult at the moment!"
