MARK JOINS THE PROFESSIONALS IN ELITE MARATHON RUN

3.05.06

Pensnett runner Mark Garratt, who works as customer care manager at Kingswinford firm Adonis Construction, pulled another amazing race out of the hat in this year’s London Marathon.

Mark was sponsored by Adonis for the run and clocked up a very commendable 2hrs 41 minutes, finishing 239th out of a field of over 40,000 runners.

The 2006 race was Mark’s ninth London marathon and the first in which he lined up with the elite men’s runners, having run under 2hrs 45 minutes in last year’s race.

“It was an amazing experience to be able to start with the elite runners,” said Mark. “I’m thrilled that I managed another good run this year and qualify to join the line up again in 2007.”

Mark’s time was just 35 minutes behind the winner of the men’s race, Felix Limo from Kenya, and only 22 minutes behind women’s winner, Deena Kastor from the USA.

Mark made it a family affair too, with his wife Anna completing the race in just over 4 hours. They are both members of the Roadrunners club and hope to raise around £1000 for Cancer Research as a result of their efforts this year.

“Both Anna and I have family members affected by cancer so it’s a charity close to our heart,” explained Mark.

Mark began running around the same time he joined Adonis Construction 14 years ago.

“It’s something I started just to lose weight,” he said. “Since then I’ve run nine London marathons and the Robin Hood Marathon in Nottingham.”

Adonis Construction managing director Neville Clements joined in the congratulations for the firm’s marathon man.

“Mark’s achievement is marvellous and we’re delighted and proud that he carried the Adonis name with him around the course in London,” he said.