A Glasgow University lecturer and student are this week celebrating their efforts in the London Marathon.

Dr Steven Miller and Shona McIntosh both romped home at the head of the 36,000-strong field.

Shona, a post-graduate in English literature, finished 31st in the women's race in a time of two hours 54 minutes.

She also came first in the 19-24 age range and was the best-placed UK University student.

Steven, a clinical lecturer in medicine, finished 98th overall with a time of 2hours 36 minutes.

Both are members of Glasgow University Hares and Hounds running club.

Shona, who was running the London Marathon for the first time, said: 'It was really hard, the hardest race I have taken part in, but it was fantastic too. It was worth the training and the pain.

'To get such a fast time was amazing. I knew I was going well but had no idea just how well I had done until I crossed the line.'

Steven said: 'The heat made the race more difficult than it could have been but I was pleased to get such a good time. But I know I can go faster, so next time I hope to do even better.'

The pair, who both beat their own personal best, paid tribute to Department of Management lecturer AC Muir, who has coached Hares and Hounds for the past year. AC is also a member of the Great Britain marathon team.

Shona said: 'He has really made a huge difference and without him we would never have run such quick races.'

Steven, a veteran of 11 marathons, is based at the BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, but he says he runs for pleasure, not for the sake of his heart.

'I enjoy running to de-stress and to relax. The health benefits, although a bonus of my hobby, are secondary.'

AC Muir said: 'I am delighted at the personal best achieved by both of them in very tough conditions when many top runners dropped out. 'They are both now firmly established in the top ten distance runners in Scotland which is great for a University club.'

Glasgow University Hares and Hounds meet at 5.30pm outside the Stevenson Building every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. All runners are welcome to come along.

Hares and Hounds website

Ray McHugh (r.mchugh@admin.gla.ac.uk)

First published: 25 April 2007