HUNDREDS of runners from Dorset pounded the capital’s streets yesterday in glorious sunshine and baking heat for the 38th annual London Marathon.

The Queen started the 26.2-mile race from Windsor Castle at 10am by pressing the traditional red button, to send the elite men’s race including four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah, across the start line.

More than 40,000 marathon runners then proceeded to follow hot on their heels.

Bournemouth resident, Luke Williams, who was running to raise money for CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably), said: “It was so hot. I got to the point where I was seeing people falling to the side of me and being taken off by St John’s Ambulance so I thought to myself I need to slow down.”

He added: “There were definitely times when the crowd really pushed you, having bright orange hair helped with people screaming at you to keep going.”

Will Perringwood raised money for Headway, a charity which works to improve people’s lives after suffering a brain injury.

The Poole resident suffered a bleed on the brain in March 2013 and was told by doctors at the time that he would never be able to use the left side of his body.

On completing the race, he said: “It was very tough, but the support was incredible.

“It is difficult to describe the level of support you get from so many people shouting your name along the route. It definitely helped to carry me home.”

Nurse Mel Lovegrove, who was running for Poole Hospital Charity, said: “It was tough going today in the heat but what an absolutely incredible experience.”

She added: “It has been an absolute privilege to run this iconic race and raise over £2,000 for Poole Hospital Charity.”

Eliud Kipchoge came first in the men’s elite race to win his third London Marathon title, with Britain’s Sir Mo Farah finishing third and setting a new British record of two hours, six minutes and 21 seconds.

Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya won the women’s race in a time of two hours, 18 minutes and 31 seconds.

Britain’s David Weir won the men’s wheelchair race for the eighth time.

Almost 100 runners attempted to enter the Guinness World Records in fancy dress including Blandford’s Lee Collier who was in a Paddington Bear costume.

This year’s London Marathon was the hottest on record with temperatures of 23C recorded in St James's Park.