Marathon runners 'drop like flies' in the London sunshine

In pictures: The 2009 London Marathon

London was the hottest place in the country yesterday and behind the frontrunners, the 35,000 other competitors were struggling. A total of 6,038 runners needed treatment this year compared with 4,093 last year.

St John Ambulance volunteers provided 1,500 medics and there were 50 ambulances on standby at 47 first aid stations. Of those helped by St John Ambulance, 35 were taken to hospital while a further 120 members of the public also needed attention. Gordon Ramsay, who was disappointed with a time of just over four hours, said: "I was aiming for three hours and 45 minutes but the temperature was extreme, although the support was amazing. People were dropping like flies, although it was well organised.

"I'm not happy with my time so I'm going to have to come back next year."

Probation manager Jennifer Bone, 40, from Harrow, who crossed the line in five and a half hours, said: "It was unbearable, it was tropical. There are lots of exposed areas and at one point I started getting cramp.

"I had to see the first aid people and they said my salt levels were low and they said 'take lots of water'. I saw a couple of people collapsed. Lots of people were pulling out by the side."

Lee Wadsworth, 34, from Croydon Striders running club, posted a time of just over three hours. He said: "The highlight has definitely got to be Tower Bridge - and finishing.

"I was in lots of pain. I didn't get the time I expected because I had some serious cramp. I had to do a bit of walking from about 20 miles in and had to crawl home." Bob Prothero, 49, from Staines was dressed as a carrot and posted a time of three hours and 35 minutes, raising £2,000 for Water Aid. He said: "The crowds were fantastic. It is indescribable what a lift they give you."

In pictures: The 2009 London Marathon