Thousands of people from around the country, including Dorset residents, descended upon the capital to take part in the London Marathon on Sunday, for some a personal challenge, and for others the chance to raise money for charity.
Among the finishers were runners from Dorset who helped raise money for good causes locally and nationally.
Participants started from Blackheath in London on Sunday, April 23 and took on the 26.2 mile journey past iconic landmarks, finishing in front of Buckingham Palace.
Maria Lochrie-Sargent, from Weymouth
Among the runners, a Weymouth mum smashed her target as she crossed the London Marathon finish line in just over four hours.
Maria Lochrie-Sargent, from St Annes Road, was raising money for the Dorchester Opportunity Playgroup at her second marathon in the capital on Sunday.
The charity provides a safe environment for pre-school children with additional needs and has looked after the 30-year-old’s son, Fergus, during his early education.
Ms Lochrie-Sargent crossed the finish line in four hours, 16 minutes – beating her target of four hours, 30 minutes, and was greeted by her parents, husband and children at the end of the gruelling 26.2 miles.
“It got tough – I started off a bit fast and got caught up in the crowd, but I was so relieved when I crossed the finish line,” she said.
Stefan Gilford, from Weymouth
Meanwhile, a firefighter from Weymouth recovering from brain surgery said he had ‘goosebumps’ as he crossed the London Marathon finish line.
Stefan Gilford, 31, was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma brain tumour in December 2021, and was running for The Brain Tumour Charity, which he has raised more than £2,500 for.
The gym worker, who is also an on-call firefighter part-time – finished in four hours and 34 minutes.
“It was great, the atmosphere was incredible, this was the first time I have done this kind of thing,” Mr Gilford, who was met by his fiancé Sophie at the finish, said.
“I lost count the number of times I got goosebumps running around, with a smile on my face the entire time.
“I started to struggle the last four miles, but I grit my teeth and did all right.”
Paul Mills, from Blandford
A Dorset dad running for a cause ‘close to his heart’ was in tears as he crossed the finish line.
Paul Mills, a chef from Blandford Forum ran to give back to The British Heart Foundation after his daughter’s life was saved thanks to pioneering heart surgery.
He has raised £1,180 and is chuffed to have smashed his original goal of £500 despite the blisters.
Mr Mills said: “It was an amazing experience. I knew it was going to be a gruelling 26 miles, but the crowds were phenomenal.
“Everyone was calling your name and wishing you well. The crowds were amazing.”
He finished with a time of six hours and 57 minutes.
“It was such an emotional day. Crossing the line, I was crying. When I went to collect my bag, I cried and when I went to see my family I cried.”
Marco Turnbull, from Lulworth
A Dorset soldier who admitted he "hated running" did find some joy as he crossed the finish line after four hours 54 minutes.
"My distain for running is maintained," Mr Turnbull said.
"But the experience itself was really, really good and the atmosphere was amazing.
Marco was running to raise money for SSAFA - The Armed Forces charity.
Marco gave a message of encouragement to anyone thinking of running the marathon in 2024.
He said: "If you are thinking about it, there is no reason not to, it has been one of the best experiences of my life."
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