LOCAL runners are nursing blisters and aching muscles after last Sunday's Flora London Marathon.

Among those competing in the 26-mile race were Stuart and Joe Webb, from Malvern, who crossed the line together in 3hrs 36mins.

"It was a fantastic day," said Stuart, who works at the Morgan Motor Company. "The weather was good for us, no rain, which was lucky."

He said he had managed without too many problems.

"The hardest part was after about 20 miles, towards the end especially," he said. "There was a real adrenaline buzz from the crowd. There were so many people towards the finishing area, it drags you along."

Ann Hume, of Malvern, finished in 3hrs 40mins and raised around £1,500 for The Stroke Association.

"It was a wonderful experience but never again!" said the assistant head at Hanley Castle High School. "It was quite scary, having trained on my own and then suddenly be surrounded by 33,000 people, but it was absolutely fantastic as an experience."

Nikki Hodgkiss, from Bishops Frome, completed the race in 4hrs 1min is aid of SPARKS (Sport Aiding medical Research for Kids). Ms Hodgkiss was part of a 100-strong team running for the charity.

She found herself rubbing shoulders with Sir Steve Redgrave when she collected her medal and, at the post-race party, was congratulated by three-time Olympic gold medallist Matthew Pinsent, vice-president of the charity.

"People thought I was mad to even contemplate running the London Marathon but they're paying for it now!" she said. "Nothing can beat that feeling of achievement when you cross the finishing line."

Susanna Morel, of Bishop's Frome, raised £1,400 for Voluntary Services Overseas, and took a more relaxed approach to the race, finishing in 6hrs 40mins.

"I didn't run all of it," she said. "I ran the first 14 miles, then walked and jogged the rest. It was fantastic, just brilliant. I took my time, did a bit of sightseeing and really enjoyed it."

Gary Kimber, a PE teacher at Queen Elizabeth High School in Bromyard, finished in 3hrs 33mins. He said: "It went very well, although it was extremely crowded."

Mr Kimber has run the marathon five times and plans to enter again next year. This year he raised £300 for National Asthma Research.

He said: "It was a fantastic atmosphere, the support and cheering was tremendous."

John Brook, of Brookhire, Malvern, was also competing for the fifth time and finished in 3hrs 49mins.

He said: "My wife says it should be my last. At the end of the race I was inclined to agree with her."

Mr Brook raised close to £1,300 for the Malvern Sea Cadets.

David Houghton, from Broom's Green, running for Age Concern, finished in 4hrs 14mins. He said: "It was excellent, good crowds, good weather. I'm a little bit stiff today, the cobbles got me a bit at Tower Hill."