Runner targets rare Triple Crown at London Marathon

Runner targets rare Triple Crown at London Marathon1 hour agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleTom Williamsin ChelmsfordJohn Fairhall/BBC"Mrs H" - as she's known - is a librarian at New Hall School in ChelmsfordA 54-year-old ultra-marathon runner who had breast cancer says it is her ultimate ambition to complete the 100 Marathon Club challenge of the "Triple Crown".Apryl Hammett, who works as a librarian at New Hall School in Chelmsford, will tick off her 100th road race at Sunday's London Marathon.She has already completed more than 100 trail versions and 100 ultra-marathons, since she took up running 25 years ago."It has got harder as I have got a little bit older, but the target has kept me going, and I am almost there," she said.John Fairhall/BBCSunday's race will be Apryl's 465th marathon since she took up running 25 years agoHammett, who is running in aid of the Alzheimer's Society after a close family member was diagnosed with dementia, said she took up running originally to lose weight."After I had finished breastfeeding my last daughter, I carried on eating too much. I was very overweight and something had to be done, as it was going to affect my health," she said."I had a choice — either go on a diet or take up exercise."Apryl said she had a friend who recommended a pair of running shoes for her and she never looked back.On Sunday, she will take part in her 465th marathon race (which includes road, trail and ultra-marathons). She said she would love to make it to 500 before she considers hanging up her running shoes."Road marathons are harder, particularly as you get older," she said."The surfaces are less forgiving [on your joints], unlike the grass. So it might be a lot of trail marathons that helps me reach the 500 milestone."Apryl HammettApryl poses with her medal alongside former British long distance runner Paula Radcliffe, a three-time winner of the Londo...