A quarter of a billion pounds has been raised by London Marathon runners in the past five years, according to event sponsor, Virgin Money.

Virgin said they had "smashed right through" their own target of raising £250m in five years with a final total of £261.4m. Around £77m was raised through Virgin Money Giving, the charity's own site.

Individual runners of the 2014 run broke a further record, raising an average of £2,407 each - bringing in a total of £53.2m.

2014 was the eighth consecutive year that London Marathon entrants broke the Guinness World Record for the largest annual single day charity event in the world.

Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin said: "When Virgin first got involved with the London Marathon we set the bar high and challenged runners to not only complete their 26 miles, but within five years also help raise £250m for good causes. Today's news shows that not only have we all risen to that challenge, but during the 2014 Virgin Money London Marathon we smashed right through it.

“Lots of charity runners raise their money through Virgin Money Giving, our not-for-profit fundraising website. Over £77m has been raised to date by Marathon fundraisers using Virgin Money Giving, and long may they continue to do so."

A total of £716m has been raised by marathon runners since the race began in 1981.