FOUR intrepid runners took part in the Virgin Money London Marathon, in which Daniel Wanjiru claimed victory in the men’s elite race and Mary Keitany won the women’s race for the third time.

More than 40,000 competitors – inclduding at least four from Haslemere – ran for their nominated charities in the 37th race and many were waved off on their 26.2-mile journey by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William.

Haslemere’s ‘galloping granny’ Jan Jeffcoat rose to the challenge in aid of Alzheimer’s UK, despite vowing never to run again in 2015.

“I finished it in 4hrs 37mins on painkillers and true British grit and determination after my Achilles went at 17 miles,” she said.

“I was helped along massively by the £2,700 donated to date to support The Alzheimer’s Society by so many generous friends, family, colleagues, customers and gym buddies, and there is more to come from the raffle very kindly being run by Hemmingways in the High Street, with prizes donated by ever-supportive Haslemere businesses.

“Thanks to everyone who gave me cheery waves and hoots throughout my training and to the staff at The Edge leisure centre, who went above and beyond, in particular Cat and Steve.”

It was a “first” for Stricklands Dental Fitness Centre practice manager Clare Lillywhite, who passed the post in 6 hours and 59 minutes.

She told The Herald: “It took a little longer than expected and was also considerably hotter than expected.

“However, the atmosphere was even better than I was promised and I had a fabulous time out there.

“The support from the crowd was phenomenal- and particularly touching when people were actually thanking me because I was running for Bliss.

“I ran it as a ‘pay it back’ effort for the support I received in 2002 when my son Rhys was born eight weeks premature.

“Bliss do great work to support families of premature and sick babies, including mine and I wanted a way to say thank you.

“So far I have raised approximately £1,700, but am hoping to continue and reach my target of £2,500 very soon.”

Sunday’s challenge was also a first for James Rollinson, whose parents Mel and Clive own West Street boutique Woodie & Morris.

‘Rolly’ ran it with his friend Finn, for Mencap, in memory of their great friend Bobby, who was “always up for a challenge” and the duo have raised £2,571 towards their £3,500 target.

He said: “The race itself was harder than I thought it was going to be, mainly because the route was so busy that you ended up having to weave in and out constantly.

“I ended up running 27.5 miles according to my tracker. The atmosphere was absolutely incredible though, and I was very fortunate to have friends and family all along the route. I even managed to get a high five from Colin Jackson at mile 24.

“Miles 18 to 22, which is mainly in Canary Wharf, were comfortably the hardest. Thankfully I saw mum and dad just after mile 22 which gave me a much needed boost.

“Most importantly we’ve raised a great amount of money for an awesome cause in memory of my good pal Bobby.

“As it says on my fundraising page, he was probably the fittest person I knew, so each time I thought about taking a rest I essentially imagined the disapproving look on Bobby’s face.”

Haslemere’s Katie Wright was one of around 400 British Heart Foundation (BHF) runners, who took to the streets of London in a united front against heart disease.

The event has raised more than £500,000 for the BHF and Katie raised £3,000 towards that. She was spurred on because both of her grandmothers died from heart disease and last year, her dad survived a heart attack.

Katie said: “Running the London Marathon was such an incredible experience. The atmosphere on the day was fantastic and I’m so proud to have been running for the BHF.

“Hopefully, the money I raise will help make a difference to the millions of people in the UK living with heart and circulatory disease.”