THE pitter-patter of hundreds of trainer-clad feet flooded through Abingdon for the 34th annual town marathon on Sunday.

A total of 729 runners took to the roads from Tilsley Park and worked their way round the 26-mile route following a foggy 9am start.

Among those running was Queen of Hearts Jenny McBain, from New Langford in Bicester, who hoped to set a new world record as the fastest runner dressed as a playing card.

The school teacher at Royal Latin School, Buckingham, said: "I am local and have done the marathon three times now.

"I have had a chesty virus for the past few weeks so want to really enjoy it and have a bit of fun.

"I dressed as the Queen of Heart to help raise awareness of the British Heart Foundation as a close friend's baby was born with heart problems and had to go through serious surgery.

"If I get this world record I am considering trying it as a hotdog and a toilet."

The runner made it across the finish line in 3:18:54 and is awaiting confirmation of beating the previous world record of 4hours 5mins.

She added: "It went really well and hopefully it was the world record."

A team of runners also took to the track from Abingdon Athletics Club including Becks Compton, Mark Lewy, Laura Wilson, David Morgan and John Newton.

Ms Compton, who was running her second marathon, said: "I ran my first marathon in Brighton in April, but actually had broken ribs at the time.

"So today I was obviously feeling a lot better before the race and just determined to do it again really.

"I have been doing a 22-week programme of training, which includes running about three times a week and then cycling as well.

"Before the race you always think why am I doing this, but afterwards you do feel an enormous sense of achievement."

The annual marathon attracts crowds of runners, local clubs and also charities to help out on the day.

Those including in the help for this year's marathon included the 2nd Abingdon Scouts group and child bereavement charity SeeSaw.

Race director Gary Richards set the runners off after more than 10 years at the helm of organising the annual race.

Mr Richards said this year was to be his last as race director as he is 'the wrong side of 60' and to give a new team a chance to bring in new ideas.

He added: "I have been doing it for 12 or 13 years but this year will definitely be my last.

"I will be relieved once the race has finished, but come Tuesday I am sure I will be itching to start planning again."