London Marathon 2015: Emotional Paula Radcliffe posts 2:36.55 time in her final competitive race

Cheshire-born marathon runner bids goodbye to the sport

(Getty)

The greatest female marathon runner in Great British history Paula Radcliffe bid an emotional goodbye to the London Marathon by posting a time of 2:36.55.

The 41-year-old was cheered across the finish line as she bowed out on a stunning athletics career which saw her break the world record (of two hours 15 minutes 25 seconds) in London in 2003.

Three of the fastest times in marathon history all belong to her.

Speaking after her final competitive appearance, Radcliffe said: "I didn't care about the time all the way round and I just wanted to thank as many people as possible.

Radcliffe was cheered on by a spirited London crowd (Getty)

"I went off way too fast and then it got more and more emotional. It was just amazing the whole way round."

The Cheshire-born legend was often seen thanking spectators as she made her way across the 26.2 miles in the capital.

"Down the last mile I thought 'I don't care about the time' I just wanted to thank as many people as I could.

"You can't come to the London Marathon and not give an honest effort. But I went off way too fast but from then on it got more and more emotional.

"There was a big sign at Embankment saying 'we will miss you' but it won't be as much as I will miss you."

Prince Harry and other dignitaries were in attendance to witness Radcliffe's final goodbye and the noise was deafening as she reached the end.

Isla and Raphael, her children, and husband Gary Lough were clearly swept up in the emotion of the occasion as they watched on.

"It was so loud, my ears were ringing. It was just amazing the whole way round. All the way along, there were so many people giving me encouragement.

"I came into this race totally unprepared and hoped the magic of the London Marathon would help me and I'm sure it did. You can't help but come here and run hard. You have to give it your best effort and that's what I did.

"When I knew I was going to finish I just wanted to thank as many people as possible."