TIRED Huddersfield runners have trudged back to work with aching limbs after raising thousands of pounds for charity.

They were among 33,000 people who took part in the 24th Flora London Marathon on Sunday.

Heavy rain plagued the runners throughout the 26.5 mile course, but supporters cheered them on, from Blackheath to Buckingham Palace.

Cowlersley man Mark Painter completed his first marathon in 5hrs 50mins - despite having a broken foot.

Mr Painter, who raised £2,200 for the MS Trust, said: "It took me longer than I expected. But about 29.1% of the starters don't finish, so I'm pleased I got to the end."

He thanked all his sponsors, especially colleagues at the Halifax bank in Huddersfield.

The Rev Eddie Wynn, curate of St James's Church, Flockton, also made his marathon debut. Mr Wynn, 38, ran the race in 3hrs 51mins and raised £4,000 for Cancer Research UK.

"It was brilliant," he said. "Thanks to everyone who sponsored me and the supporters - without them we would not have got round."

Marathon veteran John Philpott, of Stocksmoor, completed the race in 2hrs 58mins. He raised £1,500 - £1,125 for Yorkshire Cancer Research and £375 for Thurstonland First School.

Mr Philpott said: "I have done 10 marathons but only one London marathon before. It was in 1984 when I was 30 and I was pleased to do it again now I'm 50."

Newsome friends Raymond Carroll, 55, and Beverley Thomas, 46, ran their fourth marathon together. Their time was 4hrs 31mins and they ran for Leukaemia Research. Mr Carroll said: "We both really enjoyed it."

ABOUT 33,000 men and women from 45 countries set off for the 24th London Marathon from Blackheath and Greenwich in south east London on Sunday on the gruelling 26.2-mile challenge.

The course, which passed some of the nation's most famous landmarks, was lined with thousands of spectators, who turned out despite the wet and chilly conditions.

The mass race got under way at 9.45am after the professional and wheelchair athletes' events.

It was a double victory for Kenya as the nation's Margaret Okayo became the new women's champion and fellow countryman Evans Rutto took the men's title in the elite races.