RUNNERS from across the region travelled to London to tackle its world-famous marathon on the weekend.

The Virgin Money London Marathon this year enjoyed a record breaking number of participants, with more than 40,000 runners competing and raising money for charities.

Members of the royal family attended to show their support, with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry cheering on runners as they completed the 26.2 miles around London.

Colin Wilmott from Cwmbran finished the race in 4hr 19min.

In total, he raised more than £2,000 by doing so, which will go towards an ongoing fund of £28,000 in memory of his late wife Gill, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2007.

He called running the marathon one of the most exciting things he’s ever done, and said he had been overwhelmed by the support from family and friends.

Mike Yearsley, meanwhile, from Bassaleg, ran in honour of his friend Dawn Wilson who has, as the Argus reported, been handed an incurable cancer diagnosis.

He finished in around the five-hour mark.

The current MP for Islwyn, Chris Evans, was also among the runners.

He completed it in 4 hr 20min, saying: “I ran this year’s London Marathon with my brother-in-law Alan Ockenden in aid of Contact a Family.

“They do fantastic work every day helping families with disabled children.

“I am very pleased to have been able to raise over £5,000 for this good cause and to beat my personal best time.”

Emma Wootten, from Newport, also took part and finished in 4hr and 57min.

Mrs Wootten said she was motivated to raise additional funds towards her work for Age Connects Torfaen based in Griffithstown, Pontypool. She said she had prepared by participating a half-marathon in Berlin, as well as the one in her home city.

Mrs Wootten called the London event “an amazing experience”.