ELF/BTE Lawline Renault Clio Cup competitor Richard Williams (Groombridge, East Sussex) is taking some well deserved rest ahead of next weekend’s third and fourth rounds of the championship after completing the Flora London Marathon in a time of around four hours.

The 26-year-old, who made his Clio Cup debut at Thruxton earlier this month, took part in the annual event on Sunday – which again featured Renault UK as its official vehicle supplier – and managed to raise £1,500 for leading homeless charity Shelter.

Commenting on his first ever appearance in the London Marathon, Williams said: “Initially I wanted to take part to help build my fitness for the car racing season but then I decided to raise money for charity too. Shelter is the official charity of Marsh Insurance, where I work, and so it was the obvious choice to raise money for them.

“I learnt a lot about myself during the run and I feel I’ve really achieved something, not only by finishing the marathon but to also have done it in around four hours which was my target originally. I think the final time was around four hours and five minutes so I’m pleased.”

While the 26-mile London Marathon proved to be a tough challenge for Williams, he will face an equally hard task when the Clio Cup series resumes at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit in Kent next weekend, 24th/25th May.

After finishing 10th in his first ever Clio Cup race, the SpeedEquipe driver went on to finish fourth in his second race in the category to put him seventh overall in the driver standings and in good stead for a great performance next weekend.

Williams added: “The marathon is so tough and the weather being awful didn’t help. But the support you get for every one of the 26 miles is fantastic. Now I’m looking forward to getting back in the Clio at Brands Hatch and hopefully we’ll achieve some more great results.”

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