MARLOW’S Samantha Amend chopped nearly three minutes off her personal best as she finished just outside the ladies’ top ten in the Amsterdam Marathon.

She clocked two hours, 42 minutes and 51 seconds as she finished 11th in the ladies race.

The mum will now concentrate on cross country and shorter road races before targeting the London Marathon in spring where she is aiming to run sub 2hrs 40 minutes.

Despite her training, she has found time to start her own beginners running group, which meet in Marlow Park on a Monday (morning and evening) and Friday (morning).

To join call on 07764655810 or email sammi_hudson@hotmail.com