Former soldier and Saffron Walden resident Baz Colley says he would recommend the marathon experience but would not be doing it again after finishing in five hours and 16 seconds.

Mr Colley, 47, who works as a prison officer at HMP Highpoint in Haverhill, was running for Epilespy Research and Sarcoma and has raised around £1,500 for his two charities, and is expecting that number to rise.

He said: “I ran the first 22 miles in three hours and 42 minutes, but began to flag in the last four miles. Friends and old work colleagues were there supporting me, and a lot of people said they saw me on the television.

“It was a good day and I did enjoy it, but I wouldn’t do it again. I would recommend it to people though, the crowds along the way are great.”

To donate, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BazColley.