Well done to everyone who completed the London Marathon on Sunday.
A total of 42 world records were broken at the London marathon on Sunday, Guinness World Records (GWR) has announced.
The first was set by Ethiopian runner Tigst Assefa who won the women’s elite race and achieved a new women-only world record with a time of two hours, 15 minutes and 50 seconds, surpassing that of two hours, 16 minutes and 16 seconds set by Peres Jepchirchir during last year’s race.
Those in fancy dress, some wearing restrictive and thick costumes, pushed to complete the race as temperatures hit 22.2C in the capital on Sunday.
Other records broken included the fastest marathon in a suit (male), the fasted marathon wearing foam clogs (male) and the fastest marathon with Parkinson’s disease (male).
More than 56,000 runners were expected to compete in the TCS London Marathon.
Martin Leeks, from Clacton, completed the course in four hours and 25 minutes.
He said: "It was an absolutely amazing day running the London Marathon, brilliantly organised and the crowds were amazing the whole way round.
"Conditions were a bit too hot but a wonderful experience all the same."
Georgia Hornsey, from Stanway, completed the course in five hours and 57 minutes.
She was running for family member Rory who cannot sit himself down, so when he loses his balance or needs to sit down.
Georgia has raised more than £1,700.
Zoe King and Al Green ran the marathon for Colchester based charity MS-UK.
She said: This was my second London Marathon. Last year I finished in 6:02, this year I managed to finish in 5:49.
"It was hot, painful, and scary seeing so many runners needing medical attention on the way round.
"We feel quite lucky that we only have sore legs this morning."
Paige Chapman, from Braintree, completed the course in five hours and 24 minutes after getting a ballot place.
"The atmosphere and support from strangers, family and friends was out of this world. Memories which will last a lifetime.
"Having my little girl waiting at the finish line is what kept me going."
Andy Lloyd, from Clacton, completed the course in five hours and 14 minutes.
His wife Molly said: "Well done Andy, we are so proud of you. You are and continue to be our hero. We love you."
Matt Ladkin, from Dovercourt, completed his second London Marathon despite being unable to train because of injury.
He was running for Cardiac Risk in the Young in memory of his brother Tom, from Ramsey, who passed away in his sleep three years ago at the age of 20 from an undiagnosed heart condition.
Matt and his family and friends have raised several thousands of pounds to provide local young people aged 14 to 35 years old with cardiac screening.
The next one will take place on August 23 this year.
Stuart Raffle, from Harwich, ran the marathon on behalf of his son Ralphy.
Ralphy, ten, was diagnosed aged three, after a referral by his nursery because he was non- verbal, lacked eye contact and showed repetitive and seeking behaviour behaviour.
Stuart completed the course in three hours and seven minutes.
He has raised £5,516 for the National Autistic Society.
Sarah Davies, from Shalford Green, ran the London Marathon on her 48th birthday
She finished in six hours and 15 minutes.
She said: "The heat was pretty brutal.
"The support from the crowd is unmatched and the atmosphere was incredible.
"I lost almost 5st last year and have gone from struggling to run for three mins to marathon."
Daniel Carrigher, from Witham, took part for his daughter who’s just finished treatment for a childhood cancer.
He said: "It was such a massive achievement and a proud moment to say I have run the London Marathon."
Emma Madden, from Colchester, ran for St Helena Hospice and completed the race in five hours and 28 minutes.
"I have never experienced anything like it in my life; the roar of the crowds supporting everyone, the parties on route, singing, dancing, free snacks, running over one of London's most iconic landmarks.
"I have loved every minute of it and will continue to raise vital funds for St Helena Hospice in the future.”
She said: “The London Marathon was the hardest thing I have ever done in my entire life but loved every minute of it.
"It was made even more special by Toby and me running the last 5km and crossing the finish line together.
"I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to take part in this ionic event and to raise much needed funds for the hospice.”
Toby Condon, who was running in memory of his father in law, completed the race in four hours and 53 minutes.
He said: “What an incredible experience running the London Marathon for St Helena.
"The atmosphere was electric, the course was amazing and the support from everybody was out of this world."
St Helena worker Sam Griffin, 29 from Mistley and Claudia Diplock, from Clacton, both took on the course.
Claudia said: “What an amazing experience. Thank you St Helena for giving me the opportunity to run the London Marathon. A day I will never forget.
Suranna, who was also racing for St Helena Hospice, said: “Words cannot describe the wave of emotions that you go through while running a marathon.
Angela Duncan, 50, from Colchester, was running in memory of her dad, father-in-law, and friend.
She completed the course in five hours and 41 minutes.
She said: “Words can’t explain what an experience it was. So grateful to St Helena for giving me this opportunity. The team spirit and support from the group has been amazing. Proud of us all.”
