FORMER Headington Roadrunner Mara Yamauchi was more than satisfied after finishing sixth in her comeback race in Japan on Sunday.

Yamauchi, who was forced to sit out the World Championships in Berlin last summer with a foot injury, clocked 1hr 10mins 46secs in the Marugame Half Marathon.

Although some way off her personal best for the distance from 12 months earlier, Yamauchi, who is preparing for the London Marathon in April, was not disappointed.

“I was down on last year, both time and position,” she said.

“But bearing in mind the training I lost last year because of my foot injury, I’m happy with the result.

“I’m just relieved to be back racing again and in half-decent shape. At least I have a decent base to build on for London.”