Ruth Wathen from Saffron Walden who started running on her 50th birthday, ran the London Marathon in four hours, 35 minutes – just five minutes under her target.

She said: “It was my third marathon and it will be my last, my legs just hurt too much.”

But she still said the experience was “amazing” and she would keep running and tackle half-marathons.

Ruth said: “I had a brief stop at one point because my legs just wouldn’t work but the crowd got me going again, they were shouting: “Go on, you can do it” – it was quite emotional. I really recommend anyone who does running to give it a go.”

Ruth, 55, who works in accounts for the veterinary practice, Mercer and Hughes, has raised £750 and still counting for Cancer Research. She was cheered on over the 26 miles by her sons Matthew and Jeremy and her partner Kevin Sheehan, who introduced her to running.

Ruth said: “I was overtaken by a man in a rhinoceros kit. I saw a minion and there were lots of fairies and bees and superheroes, Batman and Superman.

“I would like to thank everyone who supported me. It’s been amazing.”

To help Ruth raise money for Cancer Research go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RuthWathen.