With 36,000 London Marathon runners, spotting loved ones taking part can be a thankless task. But family and friends of Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue member Nick Lavan had no such difficulty, as the chartered accountant was dressed as 1980s' comic strip and TV cartoon favourite Bananaman.
The 31-year-old participated in aid of Cancer Research and his costume was the result of an office vote. "Bananaman is relevant to the marathon, given bananas' energy-supplying properties and overall healthiness," he explained. "Bananas are a great source of potassium, which is a mineral lost by the body in endurance exercise."
However, it had been "far more difficult" to run in the costume than the standard athletic wear he had favoured in previous marathons. "I've long held respect for those who run in costume and it's a great way of raising more money for charity."
He said the "great running conditions and incredible support" inspired him to complete the course in four hours 12 minutes. "Bananaman seemed to capture the imagination of the cheering crowds," he reported.
Mr Lavan raised more than £2,500 in memory of a close friend who died of breast cancer last year after a lengthy battle against the illness. "She had dedicated her life to teaching, latterly teaching deaf children. Her loss was sorely felt by her husband and three children, not to mention countless other family, friends, colleagues and pupils."