RUNNERS from across Denbighshire were elated to finish the London Marathon all with respectable times, despite sweltering heat.

Peter Williams, owner of Auto Services in St Asaph, completed the April 22 race in four hours and 14 minutes.

He described the race as his "toughest event so far".

He said: "This year's London Marathon was held on one of the hottest days of this year, which led to many retirements.

"The crowds and the atmosphere was brilliant."

Also competing in the race was Andy Knapp and Natalie Morrice-Evans, both of Prestatyn, who were raising money for the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre.

Andy, 48, who runs his own consultancy business Coles Knapp, completed the race with a time of four hours and 39 minutes.

Natalie, 37, a medical secretary at Glan Clwyd Hospital who was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma but got the all-clear last year, achieved a time of six hours and 55 minutes.

The mum said: "I just wanted to get round. In the heat, I was so happy to have completed it and as a non-runner, I was delighted to cross the line.

"The atmosphere was amazing and the community spirit was something I have never experienced before.

"As I was one of the last to start, by the time I reached mile nine they had ran out of water, this also happened at miles 10 and 11. Without the support of the crowd, supplying us with cups of water, ice cubes and even ice lollies, I do not think I would have been able to complete the race."

Andy added: "The heat coming off the tarmac and other runners was stifling especially where there was no shade in the early miles out in the suburbs.

"I had good miles and bad miles but was always on the look out for the next water station. The crowd noise and support was constant and the volume was incredible at times, that gave me a real boost.

"The last mile or so were great, but turning onto the Mall was brilliant and I had enough left for a little sprint to the line. I’ve got the video of me from the finish line, punching the air then relief to be able to stop finally.

"It was very surreal - in a good way - experience. It was a brilliant experience and my name’s in the ballot for a place next year already."

Through their fundraising pages, Natalie raised more than £1700 - plus gift aid - for the cancer treatment centre and Andy raised more than £4500, also plus gift aid.