A GROUP of runners are are thrilled to have been chosen from hundreds of others to greet those crossing the finishing line of the London Marathon.

The Pitsea Running Club and the Southend Flyers will be handing our goody bags and congratulating the runners as they finish the epic 26.2 mile around the capital on Sunday, April 23.

The position at the end of the race is a step up from their previous volunteering position at mile 20 at Poplar.

Nicholas Miller, a member of the Pitsea Running Club said: “Several years ago the club obtained a marshalling position and water station location at the marathon at Poplar.

“This was a great honour to the club, and demonstrated a commitment to support the Global sporting giant that is the London Marathon.

“Annually about 30 members including friends and family would volunteer to support this activity.

“This year with collaboration The Southend Flyers, Pitsea Running Club will, in addition to the spot at Poplar, be handing out goody bags and greeting finishers on The Mall.

“This again is a huge honour, and it will be an enjoyable experience meeting the heroes who complete the race as they celebrate the end of their own individual journeys and challenges.

“These two opportunities have generated fantastic interest from the two local running groups with all 80 places on the day filled and a waiting list of more than 60 members hoping to take part.

“There is no doubt that the Flyers and Pitsea Running Club will make this a huge success and look to replicate on an annual basis.”

Some members of the club are running in the marathon so volunteers are also looking forward to congratulation their friends at the end.