Many want to fall to their hands and knees after completing a gruelling run.

Yet it was a supporter who got down on one knee as he watched is fiancée complete the first women-only marathon for Cancer Research UK, at Lee Valley Park, in Meridian Way, Enfield.

Samantha Osborne was met at the finish line to find boyfriend James Carr on one knee, she said yes.

In a sell-out Lee Valley Park, 3,500 women joined forces in the full or half marathon for the charity.

Lea Blake, Cancer Research UK’s Event Manager for Race for Life Marathon, said: “We’re thrilled with the fantastic response we’ve received for the first ever Race for Life Marathon from our incredible runners who have helped us to make history.

“Race for Life events are all about inclusivity, fun and female camaraderie - and Sunday was no different. Marathon pros and running novices joined forces at this brand-new event to create a formidable pink army.

“Twenty years ago Race for Life changed the face of women’s running in the UK, and we’re delighted to be trail-blazing once again with the UK’s first ever female-only marathon.”

Race for Life Marathon is a new addition to the Race for Life family, which also includes 5k, 10k and Pretty Muddy events

Mr Lee added: “It was a fantastic day, full of emotion, courage, tears and laughter as 3,500 women joined forces at Lee Valley Park to show cancer hell hath no fury like a woman in pink.”