Runners from Helston swapped rural roads for the streets of the capital when they took part in the hottest London Marathon on record.

Among them was Jane Pett, who as co-owner of Helston-based JP Fitness Cornwall is used to encouraging her clients to push for their goals, but found herself facing her own battle.

She said: “As I run eight times a week with clients it was hard to do any training myself. I set a reasonably realist goal of ten-minute miles, which would have seen me finish in 4:22.

“I was on course at the halfway point but then the midday sun got too much. There was queuing for the showers, which meant your legs seized up and it was hard to get going again.

“The last six to seven miles were horrible - walking to cool down, struggling to get legs going and then overheating again, but the other runners and fabulous crowds and marshals kept me going.

“Seeing the finish line was an absolute relief and I couldn’t help but cry when I crossed the line at 4:58:05.”

While Jane was not running in a charity place, she still managed to raise around £300 for various good causes including the Helston-based charity Footsteps for Freddie and Friends.

Some of Jane’s clients also ran, including Vicky Parkes, in her second London Marathon, both times for FLEET (Front Line Emergency Equipment Trust), which supplies public access defibrillator and emergency equipment to Cornwall’s first responders.

Vicky said: “I have an implanted cardiac defibrillator so I know first-hand how important this equipment is, as mine has been used in the past.

“This year was extremely hard and very painful, especially in that heat, and at times I thought I would see the finish line, but carrying the Cornish flag for 26.2 miles was amazing; the amount of cheering alone got me to the finish line.”

She completed it in 5:32:06.

A number of Helston members of Hayle Runners also took the journey to the capital to take part.

Naomi Astill, who raised funds for Well Child, said: “By mile three I knew my initial aim was out of the window - it was hot, very hot. However, I was still feeling relatively OK at 19 miles. At mile 20 I was hit with severe cramp in both legs which just wouldn't shift. The last six miles were mentally challenging, knowing I could run it but being forced to walk through factors out of my control was tough.

“I battled on and was picked up by a complete stranger for the final stretch who refused to leave my side, despite the fact my legs kept seizing - to her I am eternally grateful.

“I finished in a respectable 4:33:50 - slower than last year but I don't care, it is by far my biggest achievement.”

Fellow club member Kirsty Medlock finished in 3.50.02, Charlotte Kenney in 5.17.05 and Stacey Smitham in 5.48.15, running for the Cornish Heart Unit Fund.

Kirsty said: “I had an A and B goal, but in the end chose not to collapse from the heat.

“As nurses, Stacey and I found it heartbreaking and frightening to run past so many people receiving medical attention and feeling helpless. But there was so much support and help out there from volunteers and spectators.”

Derrick Frantz was a Helston member of Cornwall Athletics Club who ran, finishing in 3:45:47 and raising £500 for Prostate Cancer in the process.

He said: “The heat was oppressive and not conducive to fast times at all. I had to adjust my target time of three hours 30minutes accordingly, but I’m happy that I finished when so many struggled or dropped out. A great experience, a well organised event and the best crowds ever.”

Teacher Angela Little raised £1,000 for Asthma UK.

She said: “As someone who has had asthma all my life, I never thought that one day I’d be taking on the London Marathon. I’ve had setbacks with my training along the way, but the support I’ve received from Asthma UK has been really helpful. I’m so proud of myself for completing the marathon.”