THE London Marathon runs in the Archer family.
Dad Tony and his three children - Nathan, Amy and Nicky - will all be taking on the stag-gering 26.2-mile course of the London Marathon on April 23.
For the Archers, of Ball Lane, Crowton, it is almost an every day story of athletic folk, for all are members of Vale Royal AC.
Favourite to cross the line first is the youngest, 20-year-old Nicky, a sport and exercise science student at Birmingham University. She has qualified for the elite ladies race and will toe the start line alongside Paula Radcliffe and other international stars.
Nicky, under the wing of Great Britain marathon coach Bud
Baldaro, is aiming to break the three-hour barrier or at least improve her 3hr 11min finish at last year's race.
Further back, the race will be on between the rest of the family. Dad, a veteran of many long distance races, Nathan, a regular 1st team member at Winnington Park, and Amy, who is masterminding the fundraising efforts.
The Archers are raising money for St Luke's Hospice, Winsford. Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so at
www.justgiving.com/teamarcher or directly with any family member.
Other Vale Royal AC runners who will be tackling the ultimate distance are Jane Campion, Ruth Sills, Nick Hayward, John Carroll, and Gavin Tomlinson.
Vale Royal Athletics Club meets on Tuesdays at 6.45pm at Rudheath Leisure Centre and Thursdays at 7pm at Knight's Grange, Winsford. Newcomers are welcome. FAMILY FOURSOME: Amy, Tony, Nathan and Nicky Archer.
