A RUNNER has inspired his Appleton girlfriend after finishing ahead of more than 37,900 Virgin Money London Marathon participants to record a personal best time.

Hayley Wilkinson watched on as partner Mike Metcalfe, from Runcorn, completed the feat in 2h 53min 48 secs on Sunday.

The 26-year-old came in at number 1,129 overall out of around 39,045 participants, putting him within the top three per cent of runners.

The pair, who have been together for nine months, run at Warrington Running Club and Hayley said Mike did the town proud on the track.

"He completed it in an unbelievable time," added the 27-year-old.

"I was there supporting him and it has inspired me – I am really proud of Mike.

"I thought he would do well but not quite that well, it was a personal best so I was really impressed with his run.

"We stayed in London and celebrated by going for a few drinks after it."

But Mike's weekend success followed a dedicated training regime over the past six months.

"He started training a while back after finding out he qualified for the London Marathon last year," said Hayley.

"He does train regularly. We sometimes train together but his pace is a lot quicker than mine."

Mike's efforts qualified him for next year's 26.2-mile event in the capital and Hayley is hoping to join him on the course.

"We want to run it together – I am hoping to qualify after I do the Chester Marathon later this year," she added.

The 2017 London Marathon will take place on April 23.

For further information visit virginmoneylondonmarathon.com