Sebastian Vettel has impressed with a strong amateur performance in the London Marathon, completing the race in 2 hours, 59 minutes and 8 seconds.
The retired four-time world champion’s debut effort equates to a pace of just over 4 minutes 14 seconds per kilometre, comfortably breaking the symbolic three-hour barrier.
"It felt like it was dragging on for a really long time, and since it was my first time here, I didn’t know what to expect," the former Red Bull and Ferrari driver said.
"I loved that first experience - I’m still excited and so happy to have made it to the finish line."
He described the atmosphere along the course as a key factor.
"You’re always running in a group of other runners. When I saw Tower Bridge for the second time, I realised I still had quite a long way to go, but the crowd was so supportive, and that really helped."
Vettel revealed he had set himself a clear target.
"I set myself a very ambitious goal - to run the distance in under 3 hours - and I managed to achieve it. So I’m happy for that reason too."
The German, 38, used the event to support the Brain & Spine Foundation.
"Now that I’ve experienced it, I can only recommend that everyone try it themselves," Vettel added.