Obiter has nothing but admiration for the thousands who put themselves through 26.2 miles and unseasonably warm weather for last weekend’s London Marathon.

But 10 runners in particular – including solicitor Paul Owen – deserve special praise for breaking a world record in the process.

The record was for the fastest marathon in a 10-person costume and involved running the entire course dressed as test tubes in a single rack. The team came through the line in five hours, 41 minutes and 47 seconds, knocking 51 minutes off the world’s best.

Paul Owen and the Big Purple Challenge Group

Paul Owen's group raised £107,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK

Owen, a family law partner with south-east firm Machins Solicitors, has completed 100 marathons but said this effort was memorable.

‘There was such a tide of positive joy around the course,’ he said. ‘We were cheered on throughout the entire race. This was my ninth London Marathon but definitely the most special.’

The group, members of the same running club, has raised £107,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

 

Take a look at the Gazette's London Marathon gallery.

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