Stamford athlete Aaron Scott is second Englishman to cross the line in Frankfurt Marathon

Stamford speedster Aaron Scott had a day of mixed emotions when competing in the Frankfurt Marathon on Sunday.

Proudly running in a well-earned England vest, Scott finished 21st and was the second Englishman across the line, but missed out on a personal best by an agonising nine seconds.

Scott’s best time of 2hrs 16mins 57secs was set in Frankfurt last year. He was on course to beat it for most of the race, but a lack of company and drizzle in the last few miles cost vital seconds and he crossed the line in 2:17.05.

Scott said: “I was really pleased with a solid performance.

“It’s just a pity a low 2:16 or even a 2:15 slipped away with a tough last 7km.

“I was all alone from around 35km and, with the rain and turns in the city centre, I couldn’t keep up the pace which had been so consistent for the first 35km when I had company.

“I made a big effort to catch two runners ahead at 35km, but unfortunately I went straight past them as they couldn’t keep the pace.

“From then on in I got a few calf cramps which was a first but just made sure to put one foot in front of the other and push as hard as I could to the finish.

“At 40km I was still just inside personal best pace but knew I had finished very strongly last year so realised it would be close.

“As I turned the corner into the hall I glanced at my watch and saw 2:16.45 which meant I was going to be just outside of 2:17.

“However, I’m not disappointed as I know on another day with company I could have run 2:16 or even 2:15.

“I also missed a few key sessions in the last month, so will go into the London 2020 build-up confident that I can run a big personal best in the spring.”

Josh Lunn ran much of his debut over the distance alongside Scott, but eventually dropped out just before the 30km mark because of stomach issues.

Scott – who runs for Lincoln Wellington AC – and Lunn – who represents Bedford and County AC – are both second claim members of burgeoning running club Helpston Harriers.

Five other Helpston stars were in action and all performed well.

Phil Martin, running his seventh marathon of the year, finished 160th in a time of 2:35.57.

John Herbert spent much of the race interacting with the big crowd but still clocked an impressive 2:43.32 for 274th position.

Thomas Musson was overtaken by Herbert in the last few miles, but finished strongly himself to take 321st place in a time of 2:45.11.

Michael Moore ran 2:46.48 for 346th and Stamford-based Jonathan Taylor knocked a massive 10 minutes off his previous best with a 2:49.34 clocking which placed him 427th.

Helpston Harrier John Uff finished as runner-up in a 10km race at Bedford Autodrome on Sunday in a time of 33:43.

New Helpston member Shelley Duffy had a fine run winning the ladies race in a time of 39:12.

Duffy has been making big improvements this year and was more than four minutes quicker than in her first 10km race of the year back in February.

Stamford resident and Helpston super-vet Philippa Taylor was also in action at the weekend, clocking 38:46 to finish fourth lady and first over 50 at the Trowse 10k in Norwich.