The wide and welcoming smile on Margaret Deasy's face beamed even broader as she opened up the intriguing parcel delivered one morning in the post.

She was about to receive the shock of her life - a very pleasant shock.

The accomplished Copford-based amateur athlete, full-time mum and part-time teacher at Colchester's St Teresa's Primary School could hardly believe her eyes as her unexpected package revealed a surprise stylish wooden plaque informing her she had finished third in her age-group Women 35-39 in the 2003 Flora London Marathon.

What was even more startling was the fact this year's event staged just five weeks ago was the 39-year-old Colchester and Tendring Athletics Club runner's first-ever marathon.

The realisation of Margaret's astounding achievement suddenly dawned on her as she revealed how she crossed the finishing line, not only third in her age group, but as 26th lady out of 8,318.

Even more formidable was the fact she clocked a time of two hours 53 minutes and 57 seconds, only 38 mins 32 secs behind winner and British athletics icon Paula Radcliffe, who smashed the existing women's world record by a staggering margin.

"It was a marvellous day all-round and a fantastic atmosphere," said the mother of three, whose children are John, eight, William, six, and Mary Ann, three.

She went on: "The general organisation was terrific and the cheering crowds and camaraderie among the runners was fantastic.

"It was only that camaraderie and cheering that kept me going through the last six gruelling miles.

"I enjoyed the time of my life running the first 13 miles and the atmosphere and the adrenaline helped me enormously as I struggled over the last part."

Sporting her bright yellow marathon vest with her name emblazoned across the front - supplied by the Brentwood Catholic Charity Society - the reigning Essex Ten-Mile champion and former Essex Half-Marathon winner said: "It's something I've always wanted to do."

Published Monday, May 26, 2003

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