"FLYING Doctor" Dan Golding gritted his teeth for a painful sprint finish to be the leading South Lakes-based club athlete in this year's Flora London Marathon.

Dan's efforts saw him finish 58th out of the massive field and, more importantly, took him to his pre-race target to raise about £2,000 in sponsorship.

Dan, who is a part-time GP in Grange-over-Sands, won last year's Coniston 14 and then ran at London.

Despite clocking 2hr 38min, he believed he could have done better and decided to have another go this year.

After London last year, he spent three months cycling before returning to strict training for the race, averaging about 70 miles per week on-and-off road, usually accompanied by his enthusiastic collie dog.

"I was keen to give it another go," said Dan, who is a member of Ambleside AC. "I was sure I could get under the 'magic' 2 hours 30 and I've had some coaching guidance this time from Bud Baldaro, the UK Athletics national marathon coach."

Racing conditions were perfect for a good run, said Dan, although he had to steady himself after starting too fast. And about two-thirds of the way around the course there was a torrential downpour and a strong headwind, which threatened his plan.

"I knew it was going to be touch and go going into the last six miles," he said.

"When I came round the final corner into the finishing straight I could see I needed to sprint as there weren't many seconds left. When I realised I'd managed it, the agony on my face was replaced with a huge grin!"

Dan hopes to raise about £2,000 for St Mary's Hospice, Ulverston - most of it from his patients.

"A few people will have regretted offering to double their sponsorship if I managed to get under 2 hours 30 and I must thank everyone for their generosity and support."

Dallam runner David Crayston managed a sub three-hour run, despite being tripped at the five-mile water station and hurting a hip. He gains automatic entry for next year's race as does clubmate Mike McKenna, who had a good run as a Vet 55.

Local club finishers included: Ambleside - Dan Golding 2-29-51; Matthew Reedy 2-59-13; Jane Reedy 3-55-26.

Kendal AC - Steve Varney, 65th Vet55, 3-20-18; Paul Percival-Smith 3-31-45; Jon Webster 3-34-00; John McCann 3-44-16; Peter Mitchell 4-01-51; Brian Crossland 4-12-12; Simon Fletcher 4-27-50.

Dallam AC - David Crayston 2-57-46; Mike McKenna 3-06-04; David Deason 3-39-28; Mike Pearcy 4-04-27; Jason Haddington 4-19-36.

Helm Hill Runners - Russell Cannon 3-10-53; Simon Waller 3-29-44; Anja Neilsen 4-03-57.