Marathon mission is accomplished

Richard Whitehead wearing his "C-sprints"

A Nottinghamshire man born without legs below the knee has completed the New York Marathon in five hours 19 minutes.

Richard Whitehead, 28, from Colwick, ran the 26.2 miles wearing specially-cushioned "C-sprints" fitted where his prosthetic limbs are normally attached.

He raised about £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Relief, and also ran to promote people's awareness of disability.

Speaking from New York, Mr Whitehead said the race was the best thing he had ever done in his life.

He said: "It was really emotional, it was out of this world, I've never, never felt anything like this, ever. I got so much support and the people of New York just got behind me.

"In the last five miles I was so tired, my legs were packing up on me, my hips were so burnt out and they were just pushing me forward."

He flies back to England on Monday night.