Doncaster woman completes first marathon in under three hours

Cheered on by her husband and family, Health and Wellbeing Practitioner Emma Ballantyne (27), who works for Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH), completed the grueling 26 mile and 385 yard course in an incredible two hours and 57 minutes. She was the 61st woman to finish, from a field of over 15,000 women runners.

Emma said: “I’m over the moon with my achievement!

“The London Marathon is such a great British sporting event for amateurs and professional runners alike. I wanted to raise as much money for my chosen charities Cancer Research and Brainwave because friends and family have received such great support from them.

“I work with young people with mental health needs to help them manage their weight and diet – so it’s lovely to be setting them such a great example of what is achievable with lots of hard work and dedication.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s sponsored me and supported me over the past few months – especially all of my colleagues at RDaSH”

Emma’s fantastic performance means she automatically qualifies for next year’s London Marathon, she’s also been offered an elite place in both the York and Edinburgh marathons.

There’s still time to donate to Emma’s fundraising efforts at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/EmmaBallantyne1