Marathon runner Richard's thanks for Good Samaritans

Seen at his North Anston home is Richard Harris, who recently completed the 2017 London Marathon. Towards the end of the race his legs gave way and he was helped up by two fellow runners and sent on his way. 170691-3

Rotherham Harrier Richard (45), who has been running competitively for more than 30 years, fell to his knees near to the 23-mile mark of his first marathon on Sunday.

But thanks to the assistance of two fellow runners - but against medics’ advice - he still managed to cross the finish line in under three hours.

Dad-of-two Richard, of North Anston, said: “I had done 23 or 24 miles and for the two or three miles before that I had been swaying a bit.

“Then I must have gone to my knees and two guys got me to my feet and the next thing I remember was my feet being in the air.”

“I can’t remember going down but I can remember the medics saying I couldn’t carry on.

“My legs were like those of a new born baby giraffe.”

One of the most memorable images from this year’s event was kind-hearted Matthew Rees helping fellow runner David Wyeth to the finish line after he stopped 300 metres short.

But Richard, who works as a nurse, said the pair who helped him deserved just as much credit.

Marathon results records revealed the pair who came to Richard’s aid were Roger Vilardell (number 1470), of Petts Wood Runners in Kent, and Connor Johnston (1595), of East London-based Victoria Park Harriers and Tower Hamlets Athletics Club.

Mr Johnston posted a TV screenshot on Instagram on Monday of the moment he helped Richard, saying it was “the best excuse ever for missing a PB (personal best).”

Despite leaving messages on a Facebook forum, Richard has still to track the runners down to thank them personally.

“They were just decent runners who bent over backwards to help a fellow runner, just like the guy on the TV,” he said.

“I can’t thank them enough for what they did. I definitely wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.”

Despite being out of action for 15 minutes during the incident, Richard was still able to complete the race in just 2 hours and 59 minutes.

He said: “I was on for less than two hours and 40 minutes until I fell, which I was really happy with because it was my first marathon.

“London is an absolutely unique experience.

“It was just incredible even though it went a bit wrong for me.

“I am walking like the Tin Man but it was an amazing experience.”

Richard, who has previously run for England in cross country events, raised £1,500 for Leukaemia Care by completing the run.

He said he had chosen the charity following the death of Pete Slingsby, the godfather of one of his daughters, at the age of 58.

Despite the gruelling end to his debut marathon experience, Richard said he hoped to secure a spot to take part again next year.