No medal for Hallissey in Olympic marathon (From Watford Observer)

Watford's Claire Hallissey competes for Team GB in London 2012 Olympic marathon

4:01pm Sunday 5th August 2012 in Sport

Claire Hallissey ran well in today’s Olympic marathon but was unable to add to Team GB’s medal haul.

The former Watford Harrier, who is now based in America, went round the course in 2.35.39, handing her a 57th place finish in the event.

Her time was just over three minutes slower than the fastest Briton on the course, with that honour falling to Freya Murray – a late replacement for the injured Paula Radcliffe - in 44th position.

It wasn’t a good day for Teddington’s Mara Yamauchi however, as the third Team GB representative failed to finish due to an injury.

Yamauchi had taken sixth place in Beijing four years ago and had felt good to run today despite a bruised heel.

However, the injury became too much for her and she was forced to drop out shortly before the 10km mark.

Fellow Teddington resident Jess Draskau-Petersson, who trains with Kingstons’ Stragglers Running Club, represented Denmark in the event and produced a personal best of 2.31.43 to finish 40th.

Beginning and ending on The Mall, the race was won by Ethiopia’s Tiki Gelana in an Olympic record time of 2.23.07.

Kenya’s Priscah Jeptoo claimed the silver medal while Tatyana Petrova Arkhipova was third home for bronze.