Congratulations to BGS alumna Rebecca Murray and Mrs Everest (Chemistry Technician), who were part of the 40,255 runners crossing the finishing line in the biggest and hottest London Marathon to date.

At only 23 years old and the youngest woman to toe the elite start line, Rebecca placed an incredible 12th (29th Overall – joint male and female elite athletes) in her London Marathon debut, with a time of 02:39:37.

We spoke to Rebecca about her debut, she said: “The marathon was definitely the hardest and most mentally taxing race I’ve ever done, but I was really happy to turn all the training into a good performance and soak up the incredible atmosphere out there on the streets!

“It was really nice that Mrs Howlett (Deputy Head of PE) was out on the course too, as she was the one who packed me along to Bedford AC as a kid in the first place!”

Rebecca left BGS in 2013 and went on to study Natural Sciences at the University of Birmingham, achieving a first class honours degree.

For Mrs Everest this was her fifth London Marathon and the culmination of nearly 700 miles of training since the start of the year. Coping with unseasonably hot weather and tough course conditions, Mrs Everest said: “It was not to be a day for personal bests; target times had to be adjusted to cope with the heat. With the help and support of amazing crowds who lined the route, I crossed the finish line in 3 hours and 37 minutes (the 742nd woman), a bit slower than planned but I was happy just to finish safely.

“Once my legs have recovered, I will be back to running with Biggleswade Athletic club, training for the next race – probably something shorter – a 5K perhaps!”

BGS and the wider community are very proud of Rebecca's and Mrs Everest's achievements and wish them the very best in future competitions.

View Mrs Everest’s London Marathon medal here.