RUNNERS from Abergele have take to the capital to tackle the iconic 26 mile London Marathon.

With Storm Hannah lashing the country the previous day, runners benefitted from almost perfect conditions for the 39th running of the gruelling challenge.

Joining thousands of other people from across the globe were members of the Abergele Harriers, with John Jones leading the pack in his third marathon for North Wales charity Happy Faces - which aids sick, disabled and disadvantaged children - which he finished 3hours and 34mins.

John said: "I was asked to run for the charity at the end of January as their official runner withdrew due to injury, and the organisers knew I would help run it for them.

"I was very honoured to run for a charity especially as children always need support."

To get into marathon fitness at the 11th hour, John trained with club mate Nick Foden -who ran with the Harriers' official number - who finished in 3 hour 40 minutes and Margaret Williams, of Old Colwyn who completed her 15th marathon at 80 years old in 5 hours and 16 minutes.

Rhyl Journal:

Abergele Harriers club runners Nick Foden and John Jones

Running independently of the Harriers - and for the first time since her school days - was Catherine Thornton, 41 of Abergele, who has raised £1,500 towards the Cylch Meithrin Nursery in Abergele to build a new outdoor facility.

Rhyl Journal:

Catherine Thornton ran on behalf of Abergele Cylch Meithrin nursery

Mum of former Cylch Meithrin nursery children Kaitlyn, 12, and Noah, four, Catherine said: “Before being chosen, I hadn’t ran since my school days so I knew it was going to be tough. However, I stuck to my strict training regime since last October and taking part in the London Marathon proved to be totally amazing and the atmosphere and crowds were just out of this world.

“I just needed to focus, and do, so I decided to raise funds for something to keep me focused. I am a big believer in it takes a whole village/community to raise a child, the right village/community will give them the best experience and start in life.”