Distance runner Jay Donawa has thanked all those who donated towards his charitable cause in last week’s Virgin London Marathon.The Bermudian completed the 26.2-mile race in an impressive time of two hours, 43 minutes and 16 seconds to place 281st in an overall field of 36,000 runners.Donawa raised over $3,000 competing on behalf of UK charity Sparks, which is an organisation dedicated to funding and championing children’s medical research.“Overall I’m pleased with the outcome,” the Auburn University graduate said. “I embraced something new at this stage of my career and at the end the real winners are the children Sparks supports.“I was able to raise just over $3,000 with the money coming primarily from people in Bermuda. The charity was grateful for Bermuda’s financial generosity and I just want to say thanks again to all those who contributed.”That Donawa was able to fulfill an ambition of competing in the prestigious marathon was made possible by his involvement with Sparks.“I tried to gain entry into the 2011 event but was unsuccessful due to limited number of entries available,” Donawa said. “Climbing onboard with Sparks gave me a clear avenue to gain entry into the marathon.”The veteran runner said his debut in the London Marathon did not go without its share of challenges.“Because I was a charity runner my starting position left me at a disadvantage and I found the first five-miles difficult as I had to weave in and around scores of runners,” Donawa said.“My time doesn’t reflect my current fitness level. However, the race was about the charity and the children it supports and I’m thankful that my participation will help the future of many children.”During the race Donawa got a chance to observe some of London’s most famous monuments.“The course was very scenic and the highlight was navigating across the Tower Bridge, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace,” he said. “The reception along the course and from staff at Sparks was overwhelming.”