Nearly 40,000 people took part in the 36th London Marathon this weekend, with people flocking from across the world to tackle the iconic 26.2 mile course.
We have caught up with runners from Watford and found out how they got on and what drove them to attempt the ultimate feat of human endurance.
Name: Hamel Soni (above)
Time: 4:48
Raising money for: Watford children's charity Playskill and Down Syndrome Association
Amount raised: £5,000
Name: Margot Sharman (above)
Age: 22
Time: Under five hours
Raising money for: Phab Kids
Money raised: £3,500
She said: “I ran the London Marathon yesterday with my mum, dad and little brother. We all completed it sub 5. Sarah Sharman; 3.48, William Sharman; 4.20, Felix Sharman; 4.08 and myself; 4.53. My mother Sarah has run three London marathons before and I was running my 2nd London marathon. We live in Watford and I am currently home from Australia to run the marathon.”
Name: Alex Steed
Time: 3 hours 12 minutes
Raising money for: Mercy Ships
Amount raised: £3,000
Name: Rabbi Celia Surget (above)
Age: 38
Time: 5 hours 40 mins
Raising money for: Radlett Reform Synagogue
Name: Laura Fitchett (above)
Age: 29
Raising money for: Dyslexia Action
She said: “Training through the winter was gruelling! Race day was incredible."
Fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/Laura-Fitchett
Name: Panos Fellas (above)
Time: 4:24:59
Raising money for: In support of children with visual impairment
Name: Matthew Flynn
Time: 4:52
Raising money for: Phab Kids
He said: “I'm a big Watford fan and had to miss the trip to Wembley.
"Absolutely gutted I couldn't go, but still delighted to have ran the London Marathon for a fantastic local charity called Phab Kids.”
Name: James Bancroft (above)
Time: 4 hours 41 minutes and 2 seconds
Raising money for: GOSH
Amount raised: £2,700
Name: Jason Rishover (above)
Time: 3 hours 59 minutes
Raising money for: GOSH
Amount raised: £9,000
He said: “I am delighted to have finished the London Marathon again and I would like to thank everyone who has shown such tremendous support and generosity."
Names: Tertia Rimell and Sally Newing
Time: Within 5 hours
Running for: BRAKE
Amount raised: More than £6,000
Ms Newing said: "I believe Lucy, Katherine and Matthew would be very proud of us. An emotional journey, which has come to an end. Even 20 years on they live on in our hearts and memories."
Name: Fiona Hough
Age: 26
Time: 4hr 32m 24s
Raising money for: The Outward Bound Trust
Money raised: £2,340
Fundraising page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/helpfiona
Name: Gavin Hart (above)
Age: 40
Time:
Raising money for: MND
Amount raised: £2,000
He said: "Had a hernia op back in November so couldn't start training till Jan so only had 3 months but nothing was gonna stop me running for my old semi pro football coach."
Did you run? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or email editor@watfordobserver.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here