The father of Mara Yamauchi has predicted her day of winning the Flora London Marathon will come.

Norman Myers said his daughter, who finished second behind Irina Mikitenko, had done extremely well during this morning's race.

Mrs Yamauchi, who lives and trains in Japan with her husband Shigetoshi, clocked a personal best of 2hrs 23mins 11secs.

Mr Myers, 74, of Headington, said: “Mara has been doing 100 miles or more training per week over the past four years.

“Watching her cross the finish line I felt enormously proud.

“She is a fine athlete. I was feeling huge admiration as she kept on battling.

“I started marathon running at 50 and I have an idea of what she was feeling.

“It was her personal best and I know she will be over the moon.”

Mr Myers said his daughter wanted to be able to run around with the Union Jack flag around her shoulders after winning the prestigious event.

He said: “That day will come.

“Mara is an extremely tough competitor.”