Winning runners had their own personal success stories to tell after securing first places in the Marlow 5 Road Race.
Men’s winner Phil Wicks could not believe he came in first in the annual event after a nasty cold almost stopped him from taking part.
Phil, 28, a member of Belgrave Harriers, completed the race in 24 minutes and 42 seconds, despite also recovering from a recent injury. It was also the first time he had taken part in the popular event.
He said: “I was hoping to go a bit quicker to be honest. I came down with a bit of a cold and sore throat yesterday so I was in two minds as to whether to run but I’m pleased I did.
“I have run five miles in 23 and a half minutes before. I’m not that in shape at the minute, I’m coming back from injury so I was hoping to run somewhere around 24 minutes.”
Samantha Amend, from Marlow, came in first in the ladies race for the second time after completing the course in 28 minutes and 55 seconds. The time was also a personal best for her for the course.
She said: “The whole of this year’s gone really well. I’ve done every course either better than previously or set a PB.
“I did Pednor on Monday and I was 46 seconds quicker than last year. I always know if I do a really good time on that course I’ll do well on this one.
“I ran 29 minutes 30 seconds last year so I’m really pleased. It’s always nice when it’s your home town.”