THOUSANDS of exhausted runners yesterday crossed the finish line of the 35th London marathon, including York runners taking on the 26.2 mile course for charity.

Friends Steven Parkinson and Paul Flint have between them raised more than £5,000 through their run - all for the Anthony Nolan Trust and in memory of their friend Jamie Glover, who was just 21 when he died of Hodgkins Lymphona in 2005.

Steven said: "It was amazing. It was all about the fundraising and now we want to carry on and raised £10,000."

"I don't think there was any point where the crowds were less than two or three rows deep. I did the London marathon four years ago and the crowds were nothing like this.

"Everytime someone shouts your name you get an adrenaline boost."

Shop manager Chris Price has raised around £2,500 through his run, all of which will go to Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of father in law Ted Ellingsen, who died of cancer in February, aged 80.

Chris, who made it round the course in an three hours and 42 minutes, only a fortnight ago completed the Paris marathon for the same cause.

He said the incredible support of the London crowds had pushed him round the race.

"It's been really good, I really enjoyed it and the support all the way round was fantastic.

"The weather was ideal - no rain but a bit overcast so perfect for running.

"Trying to get on the tube afterwards was humorous, I had to walk down the stairs backwards as it was easier that way."

Also taking on the challenge for charity was vet Tim Price, who ran to raise money for the PDSA and has already gathered donations of £2,000.

"The crowds were brilliant, there were lots of people screaming and shouting but the only problem is I don't know London very well so I didn't know how far I had left to go."

After taking on the York marathon last year London was his second attempt at the 26.2 mile run, and Tim is already considering signing up for a third, he added.

York Press:
Runners cross Tower Bridge during yesterday’s London Marathon.