A TEENAGE girl from Basingstoke was one of the fastest under-20-year-olds to compete the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday.

Gemma Bigg took part in the event for the second time, along with her father John Bigg, and completed the 26.2 mile course in three hours and 37 minutes.

The time was a personal best for the 19-year-old, who managed to run this year’s marathon five minutes faster than last year.

She was the second under 20-year-old to cross the finish line and the top position ranks Gemma as fourth in the UK for her age group.

The St Mary’s University Twickenham student, who is studying sports rehab, said: “My dad helped me so much in the race and I don’t know how to thank him as I would not have got that time without his support. I truly have the best dad! He helped pace me around the race.”

Gemma is a member of Basingstoke Athletics Club and was part of a team of 17 from the club who took part in the London Marathon.

The club’s fastest participant was Dave Meacock, who finished the course in just two hours, 29 minutes and 53 seconds.

Gemma, who used to dread PE lessons at school, said: “I never thought I would run a marathon. I hated sport until about five years ago.”

She added: “The London Marathon was one of the best experiences ever and worth all the pain.”

The teenager managed to secure a place on the Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme, run by Hampshire County Council, following her performance in the London Marathon last year, and has benefited from increased support as an athlete over the last 12 months as a result.

Gemma, of Chineham, said: “It has helped me increase my fitness and, with the help of my coach Mick Woods, from Aldershot and Farnham Athletics Club, all my times are a lot quicker.”