Basingstoke residents who completed the London Marathon

Completing a marathon is one of the greatest challenges. Running 26.2 miles? Most of us couldn't even imagine doing it. 

But, some brave individuals take on the challenge to raise money for vital charities every year. 

On Sunday, April 21, more than 50,000 people headed to London to complete the marathon. 

No matter how long it took them, everyone is victorious once they have crossed that finish line. 

On our Facebook page, we asked readers to share their success stories. 

READ MORE: New owners of country pub unveil major plans to 're-imagine' the venue

See what they said below:

Louise Onslow said: "My hubby, Nick Onslow, got a new PB of 2:55:21. So proud of him"

Nick Onslow (Image: Louise Onslow)Faye Underdown said: "Me and my best mate Kelly started together and finished together, raised over £10k for our two charities."

Faye and Kelly raised more than £10k (Image: Faye Underdown)

Michelle Matson said: "The amazing Olivia Simmonds running for St John's Ambulance. Running a marathon is a big challenge for most of us but for Liv and the health challenges she's faced for most of her life, it is a truly amazing feat. What an incredible woman"

Olivia Simmonds ran for St John's Ambulance (Image: Michelle Matson)

Deborah Hill said: "Molly Hill raising money for MS-UK a charity close to her heart and straight back into school today teaching 30 little ones!"

Molly Hill raising money for MS-UK (Image: Deborah Hill)

Ruth Chappell raised money for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation in memory of her Mum.

Ruth Chappell after the race (Image: Ruth Chapell)

Julie Brady said: "My mum Linda Hilson did the Virtual marathon still doing and completing 26.2 miles... she actually ended up doing 28miles because when she hit 26.2 it came up saying congratulations you have done it, but my hero mum still did that little more until she reached her front door.  Mum ran for Help the Heroes, so proud of you mum"

Linda Hilson actually ended up running 28 miles (Image: Julia Brady)

Darren McGregor raised 4.5k for Phab - he told the Gazette: "I enjoyed every step, I think."

Darren McGregor (Image: Darren McGregor)

Zoe McLaren ran described her 26.2 miles as a "great achievement". She said: "I am proud to have run my first ever marathon (04:34:47) for Mencap … already entered the ballot for 2025."

Zoe McLaren (Image: Zoe McLaren)

Vicky Penn said: "First ever marathon for me too. Finished in 5hrs 27 mins running for MACS"

Vicky Penn (Image: Vicky Penn)

Matthew Penn said: "First ever marathon - I did it in 5h 17m raising money a great local charity Sebastian's Action Trust"

Matthew Penn (Image: Matthew Penn)

Georgina Williams said: "Absolutely loved it, ran in memory of my cousin Tom, hope I did him proud, raised £7k for Blood Cancer UK.

Her brother, Ricard Moor raised £3k for Phab and also picked up his London classics medals having completed the Ride London (100 miles cycle), Swim serpentine (2mile swim ) and the London marathon(26.2 mile run). 

Georgina Williams (Image: Georgina Williams)

Richard Moore (Image: Richard Moore)

Mark Butler said: "£4.2k raised for Breast Cancer Now running as Live Aid Freddie."

Mark Butler (Image: Mark Butler)