Bradfordians were among the London Marathon runners pounding the capital's streets today.

Runners included betting shop manager Carl Smith, from Queensbury, who broke a Guinness World Record for the fastest Marathon dressed as a lifeguard.

Mr Smith had joined other runners who vowed not to let fear stop them joining in the race, following last Monday’s bomb attack that left three people dead and many more injured in Boston in the United States.

The 33-year-old, who was up against three others going for the same record, finished with a time of three hours and raised £1,000 for the Isabella Grace Trust. He said: “It was an amazing atmosphere, with going for the World Record as well with carrying the buoy and stuff, the crowd was fantastic.

“Once it started getting tough in the later miles, I just thought about the Isabelle Grace Trust who I was running for, and she kept me strong. I thought it was nothing compared to what she went through.”

Carl said all runners were given a black ribbon to wear in tribute to those who lost their lives during last week’s Boston Marathon. “That was a really nice touch at the beginning. The atmosphere was fantastic,” he said.

Jamie Robinson, 38, from East Morton, is a member of Bingley Harriers. He finished in two hours and 52 minutes. He said: “The crowds were just unbelievable. Even more than in previous years and I ran it two years ago. They were out in force following what happened in Boston.

“That tragic event was in my mind while running around.”

Marc Steele, of Eccleshill Road Runners, took part in the race for the first time, having just turned 18. He ran the race with his mum, Julie.

His time was four hours and 18 minutes and his mother’s was four hours and 45 minutes. He said: “The atmosphere was absolutely incredible. I just could not believe it. During the run under bridges at the 23-mile mark, people were holding signs up that said ‘Finish whatever you do, and finish for Boston’ and it was fantastic.”

Judi Wood’s son Daniel, 33, ran for Yorkshire Cancer Research in memory of his dad, a former Bradford firefighter.

Eight members of Saltaire Striders were also amongst the runners and up to 15 Bingley Harriers also took part.

Tyersal Primary School teacher Sarah Bouskill, 33, hoped to raise £2,000 for the British Heart Foundation with her marathon effort.

Rebecca Malin, head of business development and investment at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, also ran. The 37-year-old was raising cash to improve Airedale’s A&E facilities.

Keighley restaurateur Syed Ahmed the race was a warm-up for next month when he will tackle the Edinburgh Marathon, despite having a spinal condition called ankylosing spondylitis – a form of arthritis.

Peter Wowk, managing director of outdoor clothing and equipment shop Speak’s in Keighley, supported Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands when he pounded the streets.