How to run a marathon - in a massive 6ft bee costume!

The costume, which is also known as the Bexhill College Bee, consisted of a huge sponge insulated head and a large sponge body suit - complete with wings, and the full costume could only be worn for minutes at a time due to the increase in body temperature it creates.

Kieran put on the costume at approximately 8:30am followed by the head at 9:45am and began his race at 10am following the minutes silence in memory of those who suffered in the Boston Marathon bombing just days before. The BC BEE, along with 36,000 other runners sported black ribbons in commemoration.

He said, “When the whistle blew for the minutes silence, you could have heard a pin drop, we all felt it important to commemorate those affected by the Boston bombings.

“When the minute was up, the noise of cheers, celebrations and determination made the atmosphere electric!”

Due to the large number of runners, it took Kieran 20 minutes to filter through Greenwich Park to the start line.

Once he set off, Kieran struggled to see the course that lay ahead as his vision was limited due to the costume and spent much of his time trying to avoid bumping into other runners.

Kieran’s morale was lifted at mile 18 when he heard cheers and support from his family and his girlfriend Claire.

He completed the marathon in a very creditable time of 4hrs 38min 35secs and welcomed a hosing down with cold water after the finish line by the London Fire Service.

Kieran said: “It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but I’d definitely do it again and recommend people to give it a try!.”

He thanked all of the people that have supported and sponsored him and helped him to to raise the £2500 for Children With Cancer UK.

He gave special thanks to Sidley Men’s Working Club, Bexhill Rowing Club, Bexhill College and Ninfield Football Club.

You can still donate to Kieran’s chosen charity by visiting www.virginmoneygiving.com/bcbee