Salisbury runners who took part in the 2022 London Marathon have shared the "incredible experience" of tackling the challenge.

More than 40,000 people took part in the 26.2-mile run on Sunday, October 2.

This was the third successive year that the marathon took place later in the year. It is traditionally held in April but organisers pushed the date back due to the Covid pandemic.

Runners started at Greenwich Park in Blackheath and finished at the Mall, Buckingham Palace.

Salisbury residents told the Journal about their success.

Rebecca Cross, from Salisbury, ran for Alabaré and learned that "the present moment is always the most empowered moment".

The 42-year-old finished in five hours 12 minutes, which is longer than she was aiming for, but said it "doesn't matter", adding: "What matters is I’m so grateful I was able to raise just under £1400 in the 12 weeks I had and completed an amazing run for Alabaré.

Salisbury Journal: Rebecca Cross before the marathon beganRebecca Cross before the marathon began (Image: Public)

"The “Somewhere to Go” service is an amazing intiiative and will help so many by providing support at the earliest opportunity."

Rachel said training for the 2022 London Marathon "really is something to respect".

She added: "I had to walk from mile 17-22 due to difficulties and I was thinking of the bigger picture always - Alabaré, those who need the support I was fundraising for, my family, friends as well as the local businesses who had also supported me.

"It was simply get round and forget about anything else."

Lucy Sutherland has lived in Salisbury her whole life and ran for the British Heart Foundation in memory of her mother-in-law, finishing in six hours 53 minutes.

Salisbury Journal: Lucy Sutherland running the marathonLucy Sutherland running the marathon (Image: Public)

The 31-year-old raised over £3,000 for her chosen charity, she said: "It was purpose over pace for me and I’m so proud to have made it over the finish line.

"Taking part in the London Marathon has been an incredible experience, the crowd were awesome and got me through! I can’t thank everyone enough for their support with this."

Harry Crisp, Lucy's 28-year-old brother, also ran the London Marathon raising money for local charity Riding For Disabled in Wilton.

Harry, from Salisbury, finished the race in exactly four hours. 

Salisbury Journal: Harry Crisp holding his medal after finishing the London MarathonHarry Crisp holding his medal after finishing the London Marathon (Image: Public)

The ballot for the 2023 London Marathon is open until 9pm on Friday, October 7. Winners of the draw are chosen at random and will be announced at the end of October.

To enter the ballot for next year's marathon, visit the TCS London Marathon website.