Over 38,000 fundraisers, amateur runners and elite athletes took part in the Virgin Money London Marathon today, making it the biggest in the event’s 35-year history.

Among them were elite runners Jenson Button, James Cracknell and Christy Turlington Burns who spoke about their experience of running 26.2 miles among a cheering crowd.

“It’s different to other races. Depending on which sort of section of it – I have a different answer,” joked former Olympic rower James Cracknell, who is raising money for Headway – The Brain Injury Association.

Watch James Cracknell, Jenson Button and Christy Turlington Burns speak about their London Marathon experience
James Cracknell, not in his marathon-running outfit (Ian West/PA)

“The first part was all right, the middle part was very good and the end was horrible.”

American model Christy Turlington Burns, who is raising money for Every Mother Counts, was more optimistic about her experience.

Watch James Cracknell, Jenson Button and Christy Turlington Burns speak about their London Marathon experience
Christy Turlington Burns (Jimi Celeste/AP)

“I came in at 3:47,” she said. “It was a phenomenal race and a personal PR for me so I’m feeling great.”

Jenson Button on the other had managed to get a new personal best, finishing at 2:52:30.

Watch James Cracknell, Jenson Button and Christy Turlington Burns speak about their London Marathon experience
Jenson Button left the uniform at home for the race (Rob Griffith/AP)

“I am chuffed to bits with that – it’s six minutes quicker than my previous PB,” said Button, who is raising money for Cancer Research.

“There are 38,000 people racing – this is madness. There are so many people out there cheering – it’s such a good atmosphere, it really really is.”

Although James Cracknell beat the Formula One driver to the finish line by over a minute.