Marathon runners go bananas

It was a day of records, rubber rhino costumes and resolve. For Paula Radcliffe, the London Marathon was an opportunity to smash the world record in front of thousands of people.

For one brave man, it was the chance to raise money for Save The Rhino while lumbering around the course in an animal costume. And for former boxer Michael Watson, it was a question of resolve as he continues his attempt to walk the race in five days to raise a six-figure sum for the Brain and Spine Foundation.

Of the 33,000 men and women who entered this year's London Marathon, most chose lightweight T-shirts and shorts. The crowd's favourites, however, were those in fancy dress.

Costumes ranged from the oversized Mr Man to giant bananas, miniature houses and Darth Vader, complete with light sabre. One woman ran as Minnie

Mouse, while a male athlete attempted the 26 miles in full beach kit, with grass skirt and stuffed parrot.

Downing Street spin doctor Alastair Campbell, who ran the race in just under four hours, said he was helped to the finishing line by pop music blaring out from the crowds. "Bands playing Billy Joel's Uptown Girl gave me an extra lift and the last three miles were among the best 20 minutes of my life," he said.