Caption Competition 143

The 2003 London Marathon saw Paula Radcliffe smash the world record but several other characters added their own excitement to the race.

Read on to see whose funny caption won them a rather splendid mystery prize.

Apart from the elite athletes, many notables from the world of stage, screen and other sports joined the throng of fun runners at the event.

Keeping pace with the likes of Gordon Ramsey and Labour spin doctor Alistair Campbell, Darth Vader seems to be having a top time.

Vote for the funniest e-mail

This weeks winner Mike Goudge came up with this witty observation.

Prince Edward spoils a good picture of Darth Vader.

Well done Mike, a BBC Sport Interactive goody bag is in the post, you lucky thing!

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Second place: Ashley, UK
Darth finally loses his cool and in a fit of rage kills the man in green as the counter on his chest reveals him to be the 59381 person to make a "I am your father" joke that day.

Third place: Steve Kerry, nowhere near London
Vader seeks out Ken Livingston to 'discuss' the death star's congestion charge penalty.

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The best of the rest

"Phew, I thought this was supposed to be a LIGHT sabre!"
Gareth Turpie, Portsmouth

The man in charge of the post-Marathon barbecue arrives.
Robert Falconer, UK

There he was, minding his own business when suddenly, out of the top right corner of the screen, he was knocked out by a light sabre.
Jack, London

Anyone got a light? It's just that me pesky eternal flame has gone out!
Nick Haworth, Cardiff

Having left his light sabre on the bus, the resourceful Darth attacks the crowd with a genetically modified carrot.
Chris Hunter, UK

"All the latest technology, and I still need a wristwatch!"
Brian Lang, Chicago, IL, USA

Justin Goodrich from Edinburgh, having been found guilty of substituting cheap put-downs for linguistic finesse, escapes from the cap comp disguised as a '70s film star.
John Lewis, Finland

Darth Vader in chocolate bar confusion after saying he wants to dominate the galaxy.
mark Ashely, London

Darth was rueing the day he ever signed up for celebrity fit club.
Robert Stewart, Livingston

The song YMCA was ruined by the man in black not joining in.
Andrew Hudson, Edinburgh, UK

Darth Vader runs the London Marathon with the world's largest chilli pepper!
Andrew Hudson, Edinburgh, UK

Darth and his two foot long ice lolly, battle for supremacy in attack of the cones!
Ollie B, Southampton

Darth, "Fame, I'm gonna sith forever, I'm gonna make Jedi's die"
Ollie B, Southampton

Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical Starwars Express opens in London.
Ed Duffy, UK

Saddam would try anything to avoid capture.
Graham King, UK

I hope someone doesn't take a photo of me and put it in the BBC Caption Competition.
Jack, London

Mrs. Vader told Darth to run off a few pounds "or no more Wookie"...
Diana Dewar, Canada

In-Vader from Mars passes through Milky Way to arrive at the Marathon and Snickers at these not so Smarties as he leads the Curly way.
Mike Goudge, U.K.

Handsome entrants to the NUWC (National Ugly Waving Championships) 2003 were made to wear helmets.
Justin Goodrich, Edinburgh, UK

Darth Vader closely followed by Daft Ada
Les Linyard, Barnehurst, Kent

At last I've found the human race
Dave Ricman, UK

With one wave of his magic wand, the Stormtroopers are left in their underwear.
Si Griffin, UK

Met Police disguise themselves on the streets of London in the hope of finding Luke Jaywalker.
Steve Robson, UK

Right, who else thinks I'm Batman ?
Rob Falconer, France temporarily

New Ann Summers collection hits the streets.
Mark Mullaly, Birmingham, UK

Vader seeks out Ken Livingston to 'discuss' death star's congestion charge penalty
Steve Kerry, nowhere near London

Heavy breather with large red wand proves popular with lady runners
Steve Kerry, Sunderland

Potential bidder: Excuse me, what kind of condition is lot 59381 in?
Sotheby's staff: Why sir, he's a mint Imperial!
Si Griffin, UK

And I thought running with scissors was dangerous.
Paul Tingey, Dover England

Vader rushes to get the new Cheeky Girls album.
Paul Tingey, dover england

After the race Paula commented to a waiting reporter, "You'd have broken the world record mate if you'd been chased by a perv with a cattle prod!"
Kevin Darley, Selby, England

If this doesn't make people run, I don't know what will!
Jemma Jowett, York

A whole new meaning to the isle of dogs.
Jemma Jowett, York

Prince Edward's publicity stunt for his TV & film co goes wrong when he is stabbed in the neck!
Martin Rose, England

The charge of the Light-sabre Brigade!
Justin Goodrich, Edinburgh, UK

Darth wished he'd pick up the Vaseline instead of the novelty light-sabre.
Michael Eaton, England

Darth Vader's audition as William Wallace in Braveheart wasn't very convincing.
Michael Eaton, England

Charlie Dimmock waves to Darth Vader as he makes an impressive return to form in the London Marathon.
Andrew Hudson, Edinburgh

Darth's "armpit shave while you wait" service proved a hit with overheating marathon runners.
Steve Kerry, somewhere in a far distant galaxy

Things turned nasty when Darth was refused entry to the bouncy castle.
Si Griffin, UK

Finding a large red needle in a haystack was one of the easier tasks in Jedi training.
Si Griffin, UK

Vader forgot it was casual day.
Paul Tingey, Dover, England

After the complaint, Darth deftly proved that he could "have someone's eye out with that thing".
Si Griffin, UK

Batman changes his image, but still has the cape.
Paul Tingey, Dover, England

Much to his embarrassment, Vader's mum shrunk his top in the wash.
Mark Tiernan, Nottingham

Due to the privatisation of the evil empire, Darth was now sponsored by Flora.
Mark Tiernan, Nottingham

BBC despatch terminator to eliminate Si Griffin for inter-galactic humour violations.
T4, Earth, 2050

Darth regrets buying a cheap adventure holiday on the inter(pla)net.
Phil Graham, Worcester Park, Surrey, UK

The London Marathon reveals the Darth of British running talent today.
Phil Graham, Worcester Park, Surrey, UK

Paula's new pacemaker spurs her on.
Phil Graham, Worcester Park, Surrey, UK

After the sex change operation Darth makes it clear that henceforth he will be known as Flora. Anyone using the old name will get 59381 lashes of the light sabre.
Alan Ball, NZ

Star Wars Episode 6: Run of the Jedi.
Jack, London

If this is a Flora Man, I'm sticking to butter.
John Lewis, Finland

Woman in yellow: "You'll never win this race Darth Vader."
Darth Vader: "Win it?...I'm not here to make up the numbers!!!"
Simon Baillie, Dublin

Vader readies his light sabre to clear away the competition.
Stephen Tucker, USA

Since when did Vader have a short-sleeve suit?
Stephen Tucker, USA

A horse, my starship for a horse.
Don Goudge, UK

Runner 23421: Isn't that heavy?
Vader: No, it's a light sabre
Mark Tiernan, Nottingham

Does my light sabre look big in this?
Tony, Hove (actually), UK

Darth tried his best but could not catch Bugs Bunny to give him his carrot back.
Mark Tiernan, Nottingham

Vader's sleepwalking was becoming a real problem.
Andrew Simpson, UK

Is this the way to the Empire Games?
David Hamm, UK

I don't know about feel the force. I can't even feel my feet!
Matthew Sudds, Reading

Years of inbreeding led to some pretty interesting characters in the Vader family.
Si Griffin, UK

Flora: healthier in the long run....
John Lewis, Finland

Trinny and Susannah dared not tell Vader that black was last year's colour.
Paul Tingey, Dover England

A figure emerges to offer his help separating the two conjoined Scousers.
Ed Duffy, UK

Forced to live on his wits following the Empire's collapse, Darth cuts the ribbon to open yet another supermarket.
Ed Duffy, UK

Vader finally snapped as a 561st spectator attempted to encourage him with a shout of "Look, it's that bloke from Star Trek!"
Jon, London

Ginger Princess Leas don't look quite right.
Richard Waites, York

Reprising his role as the Green Cross Code man, Darth Vader helps runners to cross the road safely.
Si Griffin, UK

Darth Vader was about to be trampled to death by a stampede of extras.
Si Griffin, UK

In the annual hot poker competition, the dark side won by twelve sore bottoms to one.
Si Griffin, UK

Vader offers to share alien technological secrets by revealing his cure for haemorrhoids.
Mike Goudge, UK

When I find those caption contest judges who still haven't sent me my prize from caption 139, the force better be with them!
Richard Pasco, Uk

Darth Vader gets both the idea and venue wrong after being invited to a red hot game of poker in London.
Mike Goudge, UK

Darth Vader befriends angry lion after removing huge thorn from its paw.
Mike Goudge, UK

Man highly embarrassed being only one in fancy dress at informal party.
Mike Goudge, UK

"I am your father" had become the 'running' joking in the Skywalker household.
Ashley, UK

Frank Bruno's latest attempt to prove his fitness for the bout with Audley Harrison went flat as he pulled out after only 30 yards.
Neil Nicholson, Bradford, UK

Darth: "Oh! So it's the DOCK side you're all headed for? D'oh!"
Ed Duffy, UK

Hazel Irvine: 'Did you have any pace setters Darth?'
Darth Vader: No, I Han Solo.
Hazel Irvine: 'Have you enjoyed your time in London? How did you like the food?'
Darth Vader: 'It was a little Chewey'.
Robert Stewart, Livingston

Ruby Wax waves to the crowd.
Gerry, England

This shot was taken moments before the tragic accident when Darth Vader decapitated himself when asked for the time.
Si Griffin, UK

This stick was full of ring doughnuts when I set off!
Bart, Dorset, UK

Runner number one: "Darth Vader in the marathon, where did you hear that?" Runner number two: "Straight from the Force's mouth".
Michael O'Connor, England

Race in-Vader.
Michael O'Connor, England

America's Son of Star Wars missile defence system leaves a lot to be desired.
Michael O'Connor, England

The farce is strong with this one.
Si Griffin, UK

Despite the success of Alien v Predator, Star Wars v Chariots of Fire was rather disappointing.
Si Griffin, UK

Graham Poll gets kitted out for his next football match.
Ian S, Birmingham, UK

Look sly walker!
Nick, England

How the crowd laughed as a wheezing Vader was overtaken by Jabba the Hut.
Si Griffin, UK

Luke, I am farther!
Gavin, Northants

Vader - "Have you seen my Skywalker?" Runner - "Nah mate - looks like an ordinary running shoe to me!"
Gerry Slawson, UK

"Recruiting for the Dark Side is not as difficult as first thought," opines Vader.
Paul Spencer, England

George Lucas' ideas are becoming increasingly silly as the saga heads towards number six.
David Pearce, Hong Kong

Gerry Slawson looking for cap comp competitors who continually make mileage out of his "invisible" joke so that he can beat them about the kidneys with his big red stick.
John Lewis, Finland

If he'd been a "Skyrunner" he might have come home in less than 11 hours.
Ashley, UK

Darth finally loses his cool and in a fit of rage kills the man in green as the counter on his chest reveals him to be the 59381st person to make a "I am your father" joke that day.
Ashley, UK

Darth threatens to quit when he realises that single-ended light sabres are no longer trendy.
Ashley, UK

Luke's light sabre handle is clearly visible in the top right-hand corner; crucial police evidence in the hunt for Darth Vader's killer.
Ashley, UK

The Clone army still needed some work.
Ashley, UK

John Lewis from Finland warns the Cap Comp judges not to underestimate the power of The Norse.
Ed Duffy, UK

The Death Star's new sponsorship deal with Flora did not please Darth.
Jack, London

Honestly, I'm not tired, it's the mask creating the heavy breathing!
Harry, Dorset, Peru at the moment

Darth Vader looks to bring a dark side to Flora Light.
Andy Sweet, Atherstone, UK

Nice to see Darth Vader doing his bit to pay for the repair of the Death Star.
Rob Hogg, Manchester

Quick medics - this bloke is breathing very heavily.
Mark Tiernan, Nottingham

After a hasty study of western culture, Iraq's Minister of Information attempts to mingle with the crowd.
Chris Hunter, England

Prince Edward spoils good picture of Darth Vader.
Mike Goudge, U.K.

Paula Radcliffe's phobia of Star Wars finally benefits her and competitors wave her off into the distance.
Mike Goudge, U.K.

Darth tries to get in shape to stop his heavy breathing.
Stephen Tucker, USA

Some people will do anything to get on BBC Sport caption competition.
Michael Pratt, Durham

"Party on, Darth!"
Ed Duffy (with apologies to Si Griffin), UK

The other competitors in the London Marathon make their allegiance to the dark side known.
D Williams, Milton Keynes

Darth bravely demonstrates that even those with chronic breathing difficulties can lead an active life.
Ed Duffy, UK

Getting the light sabres made in "Baton Rouge" proved to be a major embarrassment.
Adrian Wade, British Columbia, Canada

The first candidate for new Iraqi ruler registers his intention to stand.
Ed Duffy, UK

"Damn! I could have sworn it said 'fancy dress' on the invite."
Ed Duffy, UK

Darth: "Don't wave me off when I go to work dear; it ruins my image."
Ed Duffy, UK

Darth Vader ran through the field like a hot sword through Flora!
Richard Morris, Scotland

As Darth Vader runs through Knightsbridge, we bring you... Star Wars II: The Attack of the Sloanes.
John Lewis, Finland

London Marathon suffers from "Darth" of good runners.
Adrian Wade, British Columbia, Canada

Darth Vader locks light sabres with The Invisible Jedi Knight, courtesy of Slawson Enterprises Unlimited.
John Lewis, Finland

Star Wars: it'll run and run...
John Lewis, Finland

Rebel forces are still unsure if this clip is of the real Darth Vader, or one of his many lookalikes.
Ed Duffy, UK

To a finish line far, far away...
John Lewis, Finland

As he approached the last 6 miles, Darth realised he was vading fast...
Lindsay Price, Warrington

Darth Vadar wasn't sure about the Empire's new policy of 'dress-down Friday'
Vivienne Raper, UK

The force is strong in this "Paula Radcliffe", she is wise to elude me.
Derry O'Connor, UK

A Marathon full of Nuts when all I want is Chewey!
Braz, London

Darth is the O B 1 to win
Don Goudge, UK

Graham Poll takes on a nice disguise as he returns to London!
Sarah L, UK

Darth makes his entrance, shortly to be followed by Ming The Merciless and Saddam Hussein, at the start of the new series of "I'm an Evil Despot ... Get Me Out of Here!"
Ed Duffy, UK

The baddies always lose in the long run.
Nick, England

"I can't believe Yoda's already finished!"
Alexis Howell-Jones, London

Daft Vader.
Nick, England

Anakin? - the crowd terrified him!
GMcD, Livingston

In the terrifying denouement, Darth Vader is finally unmasked as Paula Radcliffe's father.
Marc Alexander, UK

In a shock move, the London Marathon is to be renamed the London Snickers
Marc Alexander, UK

Several runners reported having a near-darth experience.
Ron Gardner, UK

Paula Radcliffe hides from publicity.
Marc Alexander, UK

Trouble is, no-one dares tell him that this isn't a relay.
Ron Gardner, UK

The Empire Strides Back.
Si Griffin, UK

Quick - my lolly's melting.
Ron Gardner, UK

Vader's new aerostream Nike helmet helped him knock four minutes off his personal best.
Mark Tiernan, Nottingham

Can you feel the course?
Garry Waddell, U.K.

This'll only make your asthma worse mate.
Ron Gardner, UK

Congestion Charging brought some unexpected faces onto the streets of London.
Si Griffin, UK

Classic Arcade Games presents: Pacing Vader.
Si Griffin, UK

Paula's vivid imagination of who was chasing her, inspired her to even faster times.
Si Griffin, UK

Darth Vadar delights the crowd as he reads the joke on the stick of his giant melted ice lolly.
Steve Robson, UK

Ready, Jedi, Go!
Richard Taylor, Worcestershire, England

Radcliffe breaks the World Marathon Record.... but Darth Vadar reminds her that the 'Galaxy Record' is still up for grabs.
Steve Robson, UK

In the confusion Saddam Hussein makes his escape.
Garry Waddell, U.K.

Catherine Zeta Douglas' cunning disguise fails to fool "Hello" photographer No 526.
Garry Waddell, U.K.

Following his disastrous final round in the US Masters, Tiger Woods tries to sneak away from Augusta unobserved.
John Lewis, Finland

Arsenal practice new defensive strategies ahead of their Cup Final showdown with Southampton.
John Lewis, Finland

"My wife ran as a Star Wars character in The London Marathon." "Vader?" "I tried to, but she spotted me at the finish line."
John Lewis, Finland

Darth proves that black is the new green in Vaderthon.
Mike Goudge, U.K.

*Heavy breathing* "...But I am your father Paula."
Mike Goudge, U.K.

Prince Edward spoils good picture of Darth Vader.
Mike Goudge, U.K.

Paula Radcliffe's phobia of Star Wars finally benefits her and competitors wave her off into the distance.
Mike Goudge, U.K.

Few people realised that Vader's wheeze began at the 2003 London Marathon.
Adrian Wade, British Columbia, Canada

Darth tries to get in shape to stop his heavy breathing.
Stephen Tucker, USA

I'm in my casual kit for this event.
Stephen Tucker, USA

May the course be with you..
Michael O'Connor, England

Do not underestimate the power of the course.
Michael O'Connor, England