EIGHTEEN-year-old Elsie Wright completed the 46th London Marathon, raising more than £2,000 for charity

Describing it as a truly “inspiring” experience, the Monmouth Comprehensive student joined a record 59,000-strong field running in aid of the Great Ormond Street Charity – one close to her heart as her brother was at the children’s hospital until he was 18.

The race saw the first ever sub-two-hour marathon winner, Sebastian Sawe, and Elsie said it was amazing that she was able to be a part of the same event as him.

Elsie finished the marathon in 5 hours seven minutes and showed that power and resilience can enable you to achieve anything.

People from all over the world participated in the event, which is one of the world’s big six city marathons.

“I found it challenging but an amazing experience. Being a part of such an incredible day and surrounded by so many people raising money for such good causes was really exciting,” said Elsie.

“But I really struggled past the halfway point going into the Isle of Dogs, especially as the weather got warmer throughout the afternoon.

“I definitely began to struggle more in the heat which isn’t something I had trained for.

“Throughout Canary Wharf, it was very difficult but the crowds helped keep me going.

“The overall support was amazing and so many people were cheering my name.”

The marathon had over 1.1 million ballot entries and meant that the odds were a 1.1 per cent chance of securing a space.

It is considered the world’s largest annual one-day fundraising event and is often considered the most popular marathon in the world.

“I would definitely do it again if I was given the opportunity, but I was very lucky to be given a space this year,” added Elsie.

Anyone wanting to help her reach her £2,500 fundraising target can do so at www.justgiving.com/page/elsie-wright-londonmarathon