Clara Evans capped a whirlwind week with a battling 46th-place finish in the Olympic women’s marathon in Paris.

Evans (Pontypridd Roadents AC) only discovered she was racing last weekend after the withdrawal of Charlotte Purdue (Nic Bideau, Aldershot Farnham and District) but led the Team GB contingent home in a time of 2:33.01.

Rose Harvey (Alistair Cragg, Clapham Chasers) bravely crossed the line in 2:51.03 after fighting through an injury sustained during the gruelling 26-mile race while Calli Hauger-Thackery (Hallamshire) was unable to finish.

Evans, 30, is preparing to get married next weekend and was roared on by travelling friends and family – including fiancé Paul – in the French capital.

Clara Evans is the first Brit to cross the line in the women’s marathon!

She has recorded a brilliant season’s best of 2:33:01 and finished in 46th.

Well done @ClaraEvans4!#Paris2024 | #Athletics pic.twitter.com/cAwVuKQzhs

— British Athletics (@BritAthletics) August 11, 2024

She said: “It was hard and it was hot – I wanted to stay strong for as long as possible.

“I only got called up last weekend, so to come first Brit makes me really proud of myself.

“I wasn’t expecting it – I was preparing for my wedding and getting married on Saturday, so it’s been a crazy couple of weeks.

“I was really emotional and really happy.

“I just never thought I could ever make an Olympic ever – I didn’t think I was good enough so I’m happy to do myself proud.

“I might not be as fast as other girls but I’m strong, determined on tougher courses and don’t like being told no.

“If I get told no I want to prove people wrong.”

On her fiancé and family being in attendance, Evans added: “Paul was out there somewhere on the course!

“I saw my family with 2km to go – they never normally watch me run as they’re looking after my dogs, so was nice to see them.”