AFTER months of hard running and training for the challenge of a lifetime, three Okehampton ladies have successfully completed the 2011 London Marathon.

Jo Camies, receptionist at the Okehampton Times, Cathy Carey and Ali Holliday ran the 26 miles and 385 yards through the capital on Sunday — joined by thousands determined to complete what is often described as the most famous marathon in the world.

The temperature was an unseasonably hot 20c and made the race that much more difficult, but despite the heat, all three ladies posted great times.

Jo finished the race in 4 hours and 35 minutes, with Cathy finishing a few minutes later with a time of 4 hours and 38 minutes. Ali followed close behind with a time of 5 hours and 24 minutes.

Cathy said: 'It was so much harder than I expected because it was so hot.

'The crowd were great though. We got to high-five a lot of people on our way round the course!'

Ali said: 'It was absolutely boiling! The last six miles were a killer.

'It was hard work, but the crowd was so great, everyone was really supportive.

'It was a very surreal experience — it felt like it wasn't us running the race. Finishing was very emotional.'

Jo said: 'We all had a really good time. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.'

In preparation for the marathon the ladies have been hitting the road with the Okehampton Running Club twice a week, and have also had regular long runs at the weekend under the supervision of Julie Clawson, from Crediton Women's Running Network.

Their training also included completing both the Duchy 20 mile run and the Bideford Half Marathon.

Jo said: 'We're all so glad the training for the event is over!

'It's taken up so much of our time, so it's great to not have to do it any more!'

The London Marathon is the largest annual fundraising event in the world, and along with the other 30,000 fun-runners, Jo, Cathy and Ali have all raised fantastic amounts for their charities.

Cathy and Jo ran for premature baby charity Bliss, raising £5,000 and more than £1,000 each, while Ali has raised £1,500 for the Devon Air Ambulance with her run.

The three's fundraising efforts weren't restricted to the marathon either — amongst other events they have organised a pub quiz and a disco to raise funds for their charities.

Cathy, Ali and Jo all paid tribute to their friends and family. They said: 'Thank you to the friends and family who've supported us through this time.

'And thanks to everyone we've bored to tears talking about it!'

Thoughts are already turning away from the marathon and to their next endeavour.

Ali said: 'Now it's onto the next challenge!

'We might do a parachute jump, or a bike ride from London to Paris. We need to think about it!'