TWO Tillicoultry men laced up their trainers for the Virgin London Marathon.

James Michie and Ryan Docherty both took on the gruelling 26.2 mile race, raising thousands for the charity Whizz-Kidz.

They travelled down to participate in the event on Sunday, April 24, finishing in 4:16:30 and 4:45:07 respectively.

James, who is part of local club Wee County Harriers, has been running for around three years.

He has taken on a whole host of races, including a 33 mile ultra marathon, three marathons and the Alloa Half Marathon.

However, this was the first year he was lucky enough to be chosen for the event in the capital and it was a poignant one for him.

The 47-year-old said: "My dad died four years ago and he used to watch the London Marathon and I just wanted to do it for him.

"He used to sit and watch the London Marathon every year from when it started to when it finished.

"It was amazing. The race was absolutely amazing and the atmosphere was brilliant."

James, a warehouseman, has raised more than £1900 through donations and input from his employer Diageo.

Meanwhile, for family friend Ryan this was his first outing at a marathon, but it certainly won't be his last.

The 20-year-old is also a keen runner, part of Wee County Harriers, and has taken on several organised events.

Generosity from others, such as his customers at William Holleran & Sons, allowed the butcher to raise £1300 so far.

"It was hard at 20 miles, I did start to struggle, but the crowd kept you going – it was a great atmosphere.

"It was an achievement to be able to do a full marathon; one of my goals was to be able to run in the London Marathon because I want to compete in all the big ones, popular ones.

"I would like to thank everybody that sponsored me, thank Whizz-Kidz for letting me do the [race] for them. I appreciate everybody sponsoring me and being very supportive."

The event was a positive experience for both, who have entered the ballot for the Virgin London Marathon 2017 with the hopes of running again next year.