THE streets of London came alive yesterday as thousands of runners took part in one of the world’s most celebrated running events.

The London Marathon involves 26.2 challenging miles in front of thronging crowds, taking participants past some of the most capital’s most iconic sights.

Amongst the runners this year were a number from Swindon who had made the journey along the M4 for the race of a lifetime.

Andy Sears was taking on the marathon in aid of Brighter Futures. He lost his dad to cancer last year and while he was sadly too ill to need the treatment that can only be provided in Oxford, it gave Andy an insight into what it must be like for the patients that do.

Speaking after crossing the line in three hours and 39 minutes, Andy said: “The crowd was really something else, everyone was cheering and it really keeps you going.

“I had my name on my vest and people shout it out as you go past even if they don’t know you.

“I thought about my dad, obviously, and others who are having to travel to Oxford every day.

“Even when I was feeling a bit rough in the race I thought to myself, they have to live with their illnesses every day, not just for a few hours.”

Also pounding the streets in aid of Brighter Futures was Calvin Weaver. When he crossed the line at the four hours and 15 minute mark he found none other than the Duchess of Cambridge waiting to put the medal round his neck.

“That was nice,” said Calvin. “I got a selfie with her too.”

Calvin is a member of Swindon Shin Splints running club and said the supportive environment really helped him in the run up to Sunday’s event.

He added: “It helps big time, a few of them were here today too to support us.

“It was my first London Marathon, the crowd were absolutely brilliant. We were all really well supported all the way round.”

Having finally crossed the finishing line of a marathon, after all those months of training on cold nights and frosty mornings, the last thing anyone would want to do is run another one just two weeks later.

Or so you might think.

Rebecca Oaten did just that — having completed the Brighton Marathon a fortnight ago she laced up her trainers to tackle London on Sunday.

Raising money for Diabetes Research and Wellness, Rebecca narrowly beat her Brighton time to cross the line in four hours and 31 minutes.

“London was probably a bit easier because it wasn’t as hot as Brighton,” she said. “I’m a bit tired now — my legs are hurting.

“The atmosphere was amazing, none of the other marathons even come close to this one.”

Like so many people who take on the awesome challenge of marathon running in aid of charity, Rebecca had a personal connection to her chosen cause.

Her nephew Jack was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last year.

“He was really poorly in hospital with pancreatitis,” said Rebecca. “Then they found out he had this condition. He’s in university now and he’s coping well with it.

“Running for a cause you care about does make it a bit easier, it spurs you on to remember why you’re doing it.”

So far Rebecca has raised £1,885 and is looking to get across the £2,000 mark now the hard work is done.

Fitness consultant Michael Peacock was also among the Swindon runners to complete the marathon.

The 32-year-old decided to raise money for Spinal Research after working with jockeys who have been paralysed after horse-racing accidents.

“Working in a rehab environment, I’ve seen so many terrible injuries that have affected people, young and old, and not just jockeys.

“To see people younger than you trying to get their lives back and regain independence sticks with you.”

That personal connection was a big help to Michael as he pushed himself around the course yesterday.

“It’s was a really great day,” he said. “Very tough as it got quite hot but I got it done in four hours and nine minutes.

“My colleague Rob finished in four hours and 29 minutes.”