A sporty Clapham couple crossed the London Marathon finish line as newlyweds after tying the knot halfway round the 26-mile course.
They decided to make it even more of a day to remember by getting hitched at mile 13 in honour of Paul’s dad Mark who died from bowel cancer in December 1995.
Paul carried Laura across the finish line after completing the event in six hours and 22 minutes – including the time spent saying ‘I do’.
Laura, a physiotherapist at Whittington Hospital, said: “It has been an absolutely incredible day, the atmosphere has been electric and to be able to share it all with our family and friends has made it really special.
JUST MARRIED: Paul carried Laura over the finish line
“We’ve done so much training together that I found running the first half on my own a bit strange but it made our reunion even more meaningful.
“The last leg was definitely tough but I think we were both so euphoric and had such great support from the crowds that we were carried round.”
Paul, an HR advisor at Imperial College London, said: “It has been such an emotional day and I’m overjoyed to be married to Laura.
ON THE RUN! Paul dashed to the altar to meet up with fellow runner Laura
“The last few miles were tough going but having my wife by my side certainly helped.
“We’ve managed to raise more than £5,000 for Cancer Research UK in memory of my dad so hopefully we’ve made him really proud.”
Laura and Paul of Clapham Old Town ran the first half of the marathon separately before meeting halfway round at St Katherine’s Dock for the ceremony which was witnessed by 80 guests.
They then completed the run together and after a wash, brush up and outfit change they returned to the venue for their evening reception.
The pair wore outfits made by the bride and her mum which combined traditional wedding attire, including a top hat and a veil, with more practical running elements.
The couple plan to spend three days recovering at a Brighton hotel – complete with a hot tub to ease any aches and pains – before jetting off to The Bahamas on Sunday.
RUNAWAY BRIDE AND GROOM! Paul and Laura ran 13 miles before saying ‘I do’
A field of more than 40,000 competitors, including serious and fun runners took part in the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon.
As official charity partner, Cancer Research UK is on target to raise more than £2.5million.
Funds raised will help build research centre the Francis Crick Institute.
Helen Jackson, Cancer Research UK’s Head of Sports, said: “It’s thanks to the incredible support of people like Laura and Paul that Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists are able to go on making progress in the fight against cancer.
“Every hour more than three people in London are diagnosed with cancer.
“If you are inspired by Laura and Paul why not try one of our other runs? You don’t need to do 26 miles to help beat cancer sooner.”
To support Laura and Paul visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/londonmarathonwedding
Pictures courtesy of London Marathon 2015, with thanks
