Fundraisers went the distance for their chosen charities in the London Marathon.

Three of the many runners from Harrow raised thousands of pounds when they joined elite athletes and fun-runners on the streets of London yesterday.

Trainee accountant William Wolfson, 27, from Harrow-on-the-Hill, ran the 26-mile course in 4 hours 34mins 35seconds, raising £2,100 for charity Emunah.

The Emunah charity supports 10,000 children in Israel who come from difficult backgrounds through its network of residential homes, counselling services, high schools and day care centres.

Mr Wolfson said: “My legs are killing, I ran the Paris marathon in 2011 and finished in 4 hours 22 which I was hoping to beat, but I was quite happy with my time.

“There were loads of runners along the route and it was difficult to overtake but there was a great atmosphere and even random strangers were calling out my name.

“The best part was finishing and seeing my wife and family at the end.”

Also running for Emunah, finance manager Jonathan Fenster, 53, from South Harrow, ran the course in 4hrs 50mins and 4seconds.

He said: “I’d been hoping to finish in less than four and a half hours, which I didn’t manage. I ran for the charity in 2009 and said never again, but I got my arm twisted.

"It was a lovely day and I’ve raised more than £3,000 for Emunah – that’s what it is about.

“I am really buoyed by the support I have received from everyone associated with the charity.”

Veteran runner Flora Frank, 70, of Edgware ran under the Norwood banner.

She said: “I can’t believe this was my 30th full marathon worldwide.

“It was very hot, which made it more difficult this year but I’ve never heard so much applause. The crowds cheer you like the Queen of England.

“I hardly train – my secret is that I walk. I could do it in a better time, but I don’t want to be injured at my age.”