THROWING his arms around a friend one runner shouted an emotional “thank you so much for coming” as he reached the 14-mile mark at Stamford Bridge.

Mark Bardsley’s gesture was just one amongst many which showed just how grateful the runners were for the support of the crowd with their cheers, clapping and “come on you can do it” chants.

“Make sure I’ve got a pint and some painkillers waiting for me at the end,” another runner joked as he high-fived the crowd.

Mark Bardsley, 32, had only been training for nine weeks before taking on his first marathon. Throwing his arms around his friend Catherine Donnelly, it seemed to boost his spirits.

Catherine said: “He looked like he was going to cry when he saw us, but he’s still in it.”

For other runners it was their second or third marathon and local running club vests including York Acorn Running Club and Knavesmire Harriers proved dominant colours during the race.

Running club supporters were possibly some of the loudest among the hundreds who turned out on the day to find a familiar face in the crowd.

Laura Cummings was cheering on her Hyde Park Harriers team mate Claire Kok, who was running her third marathon. Her support for Claire and the other runners was incredible and the whole community seemed to get behind every runner, shouting out the name on their running vest.

BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration remained in good spirits as he reached Stamford Bridge, keeping up a professional persona to wish every supporter a good morning.

Tony Audenshaw, who plays lovable character Bob Hope on ITV’s Emmerdale, also received some of the loudest cheers from the crowd.

Supporters poured in to The Vintage Inns Three Cups to toast the runners and had been doing so since 10am, according to manager Matt Watkins.

He said: “I was expecting a good turn-out but nothing like this, it is just fantastic.

“It’s the biggest thing to ever come here and it’s just brilliant really.”

The atmosphere and support from the crowds was just that and as supporters handed out their remaining few Jelly Babies, the crowd began to head off to the finish line to join in with some well earned celebrations.