A record field of runners have pounded the streets in soaring temperatures to complete this year's London Marathon.

The 36,500 athletes made their way around the famous 26.2 mile course in sunny weather which hit highs of 23C. Extra doctors, vast supplies of water and special walk-through showers were on hand to help them deal with the heat.

Many of those taking part in the event, which passes famous London landmarks such as the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, before finishing in The Mall, were running for charity.

Among them was reporter Alexander Carnwath, from Local London's sister paper the Wandsworth Guardian, who was raising money for Hemihelp, a charity which supports children with hemiplegia, a condition similar to cerebral palsy which affects one side of the body. He had charted his training in a blog on this site.

Speaking after he crossed the finish line he said that it had taken longer than he had anticipated, clocking in at approximately four hours and 52 minutes.

"I feel fantastic to have finished. And really just knowing that I never have to do it again," he said.

"The crowd was amazing. It felt fantastic initially, running down from Greenwich Park, before I became really tired. It was just a brilliant, beautiful sunny day. I was running round parts of London I had never seen before, a magical mystery tour really.

"By the time I got to Canary Wharf, which is about 15 -16 miles I was really, really exhausted and I really slowed down. After that it was horrible for about eight miles and the crowd thins out a little.

"But the last two or three miles, as you're running down Embankment with people lining the streets and you know you're going to get round, you're going to do it, that feels really fantastic."

Ally, who was planning a glass of Coke and an early night to celebrate, added that he was feeling slightly delirious'.

Also hoping to complete his first marathon was Guardian graphic designer Bob Noble. After being plagued with injuries in the run up to the big day, Bob was hopeful his Achilles tendon would last the course.

Others in the race included the original drummer and spoon player with 1960s group The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band.

Battersea's Martin Ash, 65, whose stage name is Sam Spoons, decided to take up the challenge after returning from the band's recent reunion tour. He hopes to raise £4,000 for Age Concern.

Winner of the men's race was Martin Lel, the winner in 2005, while Zhou Chunxiu became the first Chinese woman to win the London Marathon.

Britain's David Weir won a sprint finish to defend his wheelchair title and Shelly Woods, 20, took the women's race, finishing in one hour, 50 minutes and 41 seconds.

Runners were advised to adjust their goals in the heat, but St John Ambulance reported a "high" number of runners collapsing on the finish line.

Seamus Kelly, of the first aid charity, said they were being treated and there was "nothing of particular concern".

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