RUNNERS from across South Lakeland laced up their trainers to successfully take on an iconic 26.2 mile challenge.

More than 40,000 took part in this year's London Marathon, many of them running in aid of a good cause.

From Ulverston was 50-year-old Patty Davies, who ran the race in support of her daughter Iona, an epilepsy sufferer.

Although it was Patty's first road marathon, she completed the race in 4hrs 35mins and has now raised more than £906 to support those living with the condition and their families.

"I first heard about Epilepsy Action after seeing some leaflets in the hospital when Iona was diagnosed," she said. "I’m thrilled to have completed the London Marathon for the charity. The course was tough at times, but knowing I was running for such a fantastic cause really helped me focus on reaching the finish. The crowds cheering me on were brilliant."

Craig Smith, from Bowness, was taking on the challenge on behalf of his injured wife, Chloe in aid of St John's Hospice in Lancaster.

Although he was not able to run the official race, he ran the equivalent distance in London's Hyde Park.

"I did it in 4 hours 27 minutes...six minutes faster than I did in 2013," he said. "With online and offline donations plus gift aid I think we have raised circa £21,000.

"The last three or four miles was hellish, but the thought of all of the money raised got me through it! A massive thank you to all that donated!”

There was a team of five racing on behalf of the Ambleside-based Brathay Trust, including Gina Pennington, Kendal and Jo Pendered, Windermere, who completed it in 5hrs 55mins.

Gina, who ran for 5hrs 2mins clad in a tutu and Minnie Mouse ears, said that there was something 'really special' about the London Marathon.

"The atmosphere was just electric," the 43-year-old, who works at Farrer's in Kendal, said. "When we got across Tower Bridge that was my favourite point. You are virtually halfway and it's such an iconic place to be."

Between the total group they raised £10,163 so far to support the charity in its work to improve the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

Ninety runners ran the famous race in the capital on Sunday for Leonard Cheshire, a charity which supports disabled people around the country.

One of them was Jordan Smith, who works as a carer for the charity at the Holehird care home in Windermere.

“I got inspired by all the residents, mainly one resident in particular who ran 20 marathons after the age of 50. Unfortunately she was walking in Austria and had an accident and was disabled from the neck down," he said.