Lauren top of world

Bridgnorth runner Lauren Draper was on top of the world when she finished second in the Great Wall of China marathon – beating hundreds of others from all over the world. And her podium delight was augmented when boyfriend Alex Cooper proposed to her in style – there and then as she received her medal. Lauren, who runs with Bridgnorth Running Club, was a record holder at Oldbury Wells School, and her records in the 800m and 1500m have only just been broken. “It was the race of a lifetime” Lauren told WW! “and the proposal, well, a moment I will treasure forever.” It was a family affair in China too; dad David was the winning senior in the half marathon, mum Tanya was first senior lady in the 8.5km and fiancé Alex also ran his first – and last – half marathon.