RUNNERS from across Denbighshire took part in the 39th London Marathon on Sunday.

Following months of training and fundraising, more than 40,000 people from around the world travelled to London with their families and friends to run one of the world’s most famous marathons.

The 26.2-mile route passes many of the English capital’s iconic landmarks, including the River Thames, London Bridge, Parliament Square and Buckingham Palace.

The runners representing Denbighshire included Nicola Field, maternity worker from Denbigh, running in aid of 13-year-old Ruby Bryan who needs an expensive prosthetic limb following amputation to treat a lifelong condition. Mrs Field completed the marathon in 5 hours 26 minutes and 29 seconds (5.26.29).

There was also Llinos Garrod, nurse from Gwyddelwern, near Corwen, whose 13-year-old son has sensory processing disorder. After training in strong winds, snow and thigh-high floods, she was determined to put in a proud performance. She completed the race in 5.36.06 in aid of Contact, the charity which offers advice and support to families with disabled children.

The green of Denbigh Harriers running club was well represented, led by Joseph Welch, councillor for Llanrhaeadr-yng-Nghinmeirch, who was flying the flag for Denbighshire after running a fantastic 2.50.27, finishing in 1070th place overall. The early morning runs around Nantglyn paid off as he beat his personal best by five minutes.

Mr Welch was followed by fellow Harriers Huw Williams, from Llandyrnog (3.42.53), Hywel Roberts, from Denbigh (4.18.06), Gwenan Johnson, from Llannefydd (4.24.09), Sian Pritchard, from Denbigh (4.50.28), Mark Jones, from Trefnant (4.56.55) and Helen Davies, from Llannefydd (5.26.29).

A Denbigh Harriers spokesperson said: “All the Harriers were delighted to have taken part in such an iconic event and completed the course.

“They should be congratulated on their tremendous efforts.”

There were also racers from Llangollen Fell Runners (LFR), with Llangollen runners Heather Jones (4.52.02) and Siân Lowri Dunne (5.20.40) using their strength built upon the Berwyn mountains during the last year.

Warren Renkel, LFR director, said: “The members left the hills of Wales to compete in London and put in an amazing effort.”