RUNNERS will today be resting their weary limbs but holding their medals with pride after pounding the streets of the capital.

More than 36,000 runners took part in the Virgin London Marathon having held half a minute’s silence in memory of those who died in the Boston Marathon bomb attacks a week ago.

Many of the fun-runners, athletes and fundraisers donned black ribbons in a show of solidarity after three people were killed and 180 were injured in the blasts.

Amid tightened security, thousands of spectators lined the streets to cheer on their loved ones through the energy-sapping race.

Former Ipswich Town goalkeeper James Pullen, who is now the first team sports masseur at ITFC, dressed as the club’s mascot, Crazee, to earn his marathon medal.

After completing the route for the ITFC Charitable Trust and Sense, he described it as “torture”.

“I didn’t take the head off once and did it in 5hr 45min which was an hour more than I wanted to,” he added. “As soon as I got through the start line I thought ‘what the hell have I let myself in for?’ but I’m really pleased because it’s a great achievement.

“I’m over the moon really to complete it dressed as a horse complete with fur gloves.”

Father-of-two Matt Hunt, from Kesgrave, completed the 26.2-mile course in 2hr 43min 18sec in aid of Suffolk Family Carers.

The 36-year-old personal trainer was inspired to take part in recognition of the challenges his mum faced while caring for family members.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted. The weather was great for running, the organisation of the race was fantastic, and the team from Suffolk Family Carers, my family and friends were here cheering me on and making the whole thing feel eve more worthwhile.

“I was determined to get as close to 2.45 as I could, so to see my time at the finish is absolutely the icing on the cake to a superb day.”

Mr Hunt was cheered on by Alison Nightingale, of Suffolk Family Carers, who said people were reassured by the extra security.

“It certainly seemed as if there was a high level of police presence, but it didn’t feel uncomfortable in any way - more reassuring,” she added.

“The level of organisation was superb and everyone was in high spirits and determined to do their bit for the various charities they were representing.”

Tawnise Robinson, from Purdis Farm, Ipswich, took part in the gruelling run for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of her grandmother, Pamela Howes, who died last year.

She finished the race in 5hr 2min 58sec and has raised nearly £4,000 for charity.

- Did you take part in this year’s London Marathon? Send us your pictures via www.iwitness.co.uk or call newsdesk on 01473 324790.

- Any local runners, unaffiliated to a club, who ran in yesterday’s London Marathon can have their results included in The Star, in tomorrow’s round-up, by emailing carl.marston@archant.co.uk with details such as name, age, town and finishing time.