THOUSANDS of people will be pounding the streets of the nation’s capital this Sunday when they take part in the 35th Virgin London Marathon.

Among them will be many runners from Dorset, who gathered together for a Bournemouth team photo at the Littledown Centre last weekend.

Among them was Karen Irons-Mclean who is raising money for Macmillan Caring Locally at Christchurch by completing 40 challenges before she is 40 next February.

To break a world record, she will be taking part in the iconic 26.2mile race dressed as a playing card.

She said: “I need to finish in under 4h 23m 27seconds. I know this is achievable but an unknown factor is whether or not there is another playing card running the marathon. On the bright side at least I'm not running in high heels or carrying an 80lb pack - those record breakers are truly incredible!”

Matt Deane, who lives and works in Christchurch, is taking on both the London and Brighton marathons this month to raise £2,000 for Guide Dogs. He has raised £700 so far.

He said: "This will be my longest and most challenging month of running," says Matt, "Guide dogs make such a difference to the lives of their owners."

Brothers Mark, 44 and Kevin Watson, 34, will be running the London Marathon to raise funds for the cancer unit at Poole Hospital.

Inspired by the bravery of close friend Abbe Bladon who is recovering after breast cancer, they are looking to improve conditions for cancer sufferers when undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Mark said: "We have a combined target of £3,000 but are hoping to smash this with the support of family, friends, work colleagues and Daily Echo readers."

Donations can be made online at either virginmoneygiving.com/markwatson2015 or virginmoneygiving.com/kevinwatson7

Don't forget, there's still time to enter this year's Bournemouth Marathon Festival which takes place on October 3-4. For more information visit website run-bmf.com