A marathon veteran in every sense of the word, 87-year-old Paul Freedman was happy with his time of seven hours 20 minutes.
It was the 21st marathon for the Romford Synagogue member and sponsorship will add to the tens of thousands he has raised for St Francis Hospice, which looked after his wife Renee before her death in 2007.
Mr Freedman only took up running when he was 61 and the secret of his success has been not to take the challenge too seriously. "You just have to enjoy it."
He hopes this year's race won't be his last, but his family is keen for him to take things easy.
In the meantime, another major sporting event is occupying his thoughts.
The 87-year-old only took up running at the age of 61
In July, he will be one of the Olympic torchbearers, nominated for his work for the hospice.
"Before I knew I was nominated, I wanted to enter myself," he joked. "I'm really looking forward to it."