Runners of all ages and abilities gathered for the Abingdon Marathon.

More than 400 competitors took part in the 26mile race starting and finishing in Tilsley Park yesterday.

'Clark Kent', of the 100 Marathon Club, dressed up as Superman to guide Paul Watts, of Barnet and District club, round the course. Mr Watts was the only blind competitor.

Others dressed as a monkey and a clown.

John Hanks, of the British Wheelchair Racing Association, was first past the post in two hours 16 minutes in his wheelchair. He was one of three wheelchair racers.

More than 500 spectators watched as Nigel Payne, from Leicester, won the able-bodied race in two hours 37 minutes and Joy Noad, of Maidenhead, was the first woman past the post.

Seven runners made the trip from Abingdon's twin town of Argentan, in Normandy, France, to take part.

Steve Caswell, of Kidlington, completed his third marathon in under three hours on his 46th birthday and John Borand, of London, broke his course record at the age of 71 to finish in three hours 57 minutes.

Spokesman Adele Wright, of Abingdon Amblers Club, could not compete this year as she broke her leg recently.

She said: "It was an excellent day - the weather was kind to us and we had a lot of support."

Some runners were raising money for charities such as Save the Children and Cancer Research.