TORFAEN runners were among those taking on Sunday's London Marathon including a Cwmbran man who set a new Guinness World Record.

Mike Dodd said he had received a certificate to say that he had officially run the fastest marathon ever – in chain mail.

The 25-year-old ran the world-famous race on April 13 wearing a full suit of armour, complete with leather boots and even a steel helmet.

The Virgin London Marathon’s official website said he finished the race in five hours, 49 minutes and seven seconds, handing him the unexpected honour.

“I’ve received a certificate to verify it,” he said.

Mr Dodd completed the 26.2-mile marathon for charity Debra, in honour of his 16-year-old nice Hannah Rosser who lives with a “crippling” skin condition.

He said the attire was hot and heavy, but was “definitely worth it”.

“It’s nothing compared to what Hannah lives with everyday,” he added. “Although I think that might be the last marathon I do in a suit of armour for a while.”

He has raised more than £2,300 on his online site alone, but hopes to exceed £3,500 when all donations are collected.

Guinness World Records confirmed his record-setting achievement.

Runners from a new Torfaen club also took on the challenge.

The Micky Morris Racing Team (MMRT) was named after the gifted Torfaen runner Micky Morris, who died at the age of 24 with his sights on the Commonwealth Games.

The new group, which formed a few weeks ago, hope to attract talented runners of all ages who seek to aspire to the heights of Micky’s ability and place south east Wales on the racing map.

MMRT members James Casburn and Matt Collins showed off the club’s racing green and gold vests as Collins crossed the finish line in just 2:27:01, coming a superb 19th in a field of more than 35,000 finishers.

Collins, a seasoned marathon runner, harvested the fruits of an arduous programme of training, improving his marathon personal best set in 2013 by more than five minutes.

Casburn, running in his first marathon, completed the 26.2 miles in 3:25:41, an impressive debut in warm conditions.

For details about the club search for "MMRT" on Facebook.

The Free Press is supporting the Mic Morris Torfaen 10k, organised by Torfaen council, later this year.

Blaenavon teacher Leanne Jones also completed the race for charitable causes.

She ran for Arthritis Research UK, after her son, William, was diagnosed with the disease in a rare case aged just five.

She finished with a time of five hours, 10 minutes, and 10 seconds, with friends, family and work colleagues all turning up to cheer her on.

She said: “It was a wonderful occasion. It was boiling hot and I am delighted with the amount of money have raised. My school alone has raised more than £2,200 in support.”

To donate to Mr Dodd’s fundraising see - www.justgiving.com/Mike-Dodd4

Mrs Jones’ page can be found at http://uk.virginmoney giving.com/LeanneJones5