IT IS fair to say that Tracy Barlow is making a name for herself. The real-life Tracy Barlow, that is.
Running in the Virgin Money London Marathon on April 24, the Thames Valley Harrier – and namesake of the notorious bad girl Coronation Street character – was the first female finisher from the mass start, crossing the line on The Mall in 2:33:20. Only three British women were quicker in the elite race: Alyson Dixon (2:31:52), Sonia Samuels (2:32:00) and Charlotte Purdue (2:32:48) – and the first two of those made the selection cut for the Rio Olympics.

Tracy Barlow: has improved rapidly to run 2:33:20 at the Virgin Money London Marathon
Picture:s: Mark Shearman