MARATHON runners from York have returned home victorious after completing one of the ultimate tests of endurance in the Big Apple.

John Lohan even dipped under the four-hour barrier, crossing the line of last Sunday’s New York Marathon in three hours 47 minutes.

The 25-year-old, from Copmanthorpe, hopes to have raised £2,500 once he has collected all his sponsorship money.

John, who works in London as an investment banker, was running in aid of Sense – a national charity that supports and campaigns for children and adults who are both deaf and blind.

The former pupil of All Saints’ RC School said: “When I crossed the finishing line, it took a long time to feel anything other than enormous relief that the pain was over, but after a few hours I began to realise what I had done.

“When I was walking around New York with my medal around my neck, literally everybody came to say congratulations.

“Even people who had iPods in took them out to say well done – I couldn’t believe it. The money I’ve raised will help to improve the lives of people who are deaf blind, and that is a really good feeling.”

It’s not too late to sponsor John – you can visit his fundraising page at justgiving.com/johnlohan.

Meanwhile, York firefighter Neil Garner was running in aid of the Firefighters Charity to support injured firefighters and the dependants of those who die in the line of duty.

The 29-year-old, of Dringhouses, completed the epic run in just over five hours and hopes to raise £1,900 by the time he has finished fundraising.

He said: “It was never going to be the quickest time for me because I’m not built for running, but I was just so incredibly happy to finish. I hit the wall at about 16 miles, but the crowds were absolutely amazing. There were just thousands of people lining the streets all cheering and giving you high fives.”

But Neil was not too tired to head down to Times Square two days later to soak in the atmosphere following the results of the American presidential election.

He said: “There were thousands and thousands of people there and they were all going mad.

“People were driving along beeping their horns with their music turned up and the atmosphere was great.”

You can sponsor Neil by visiting his fundraising page at justgiving.com/neilgarner