WHEN the cameras pan over the faces of the Elite Women runners before the 2009 London Marathon, a humble Chiltern Harrier will be quietly shuffling her feet alongside Paula Radcliffe and co.

In only her second marathon, Sandra Reynolds shattered the three hour, 15 minute-qualifying time to earn her place at the front of the queue next year.

She said: "It would be amazing to be in the same start line as someone like Paula Radcliffe. There were less than 200 runners in the Elite Women's race this year so it's really quite special.

"I ran 3.19 in my first marathon so I wanted to take enough time off this year and it was as good as I could've hoped for.

"I got a cold a few days before but I think you get paranoid and notice every little snuffle and it didn't affect my performance.

"My splits were quite even, I slowed down a bit, but not much so I was quite happy."

Reynolds actually came home in 3.02.32 to finish tenth in the ladies masses race, which excludes the Elite runners, and next year wants to break the magical three-hour barrier next year.

Qualifying for the elite group though, might throw up some problems.

She said: "It might be a bit isolating. There is such a lot of support on the course running with the masses. You'll still get the crowds for the elite race, but it will be more spread out so I don't think you'll have the support of the other runners."

And Reynolds admits there is also the added danger of being influenced by the world class athletes around her and making too fast a start.

There must be a temptation though, to fly out the blocks, get the commentators frantically scanning their lists for this 37-year-old unknown and enjoy your 15 minutes.

She said: "Oh no, I wouldn't want to do something like that. I'll stay in the background."