This Thanet teacher was one of the isle runners to complete the London Marathon

A teacher from the Royal Harbour Academy was one of the Thanet runners to complete the London Marathon on Sunday with a personal best of 2 hours 31 minutes and 38 seconds.

Thomas Millard, Head of History and Raising Standards Co-ordinator, finished in 81st position in a field of nearly 40,000. It is the second time the teacher has competed in the event, last year finishing in 95th position but despite this Mr Millard said the marathon proved to be a great challenge.

He said: “I struggled greatly after 16 miles and was 9 minutes slower on my second half compared with my first half. I felt a little deflated but I had an amazing reaction going through mile 25 from my family, friends and colleagues who sent messages of support and my students who congratulated me the day after. I have felt totally overwhelmed. It was a personal best for me so I will take that positive. Hopefully I can use it as a bit of inspiration to our students undertaking exams next  month to never give up and keep moving forward.”

Mr Millard hopes to compete in the Thanet Marathon in September in more local surroundings.

The race was also completed by Andrew Barrs from Broadstairs in 3 hours 55 minutes; Simon Ballard running for the Alfie Gough Trust with a time of 3 hours 27 and Gavin Adams (pictured above) with a time of 4 hours 18 seconds after he ran an extra half mile to meet Prince Harry!