A PORT Glasgow athlete completed his second London Marathon with a personal best time despite crashing and battling strong winds.

Kyle Brotherton, 19, competed in the wheelchair race and finished the 26.2 miles in two hours and nine minutes, taking a minute off his previous best time.

Kyle, who has also completed the Manchester Marathon, said it was tough going in 23mph headwinds.

He told the Tele: “The heat was tough last year but I was nowhere near as bad when I got to the finish line as I was this year.

“I didn’t get off to a great start when I crashed into another competitor who had a puncture.

“It slowed me down and everyone went ahead but I managed to catch them.

“Tower Bridge is so exposed and it is really tough there, everyone seemed to struggle this year.

"I had completed just over half the distance and I was running on fumes.

"I think it was determination that got me through.

“It is a really challenging course and is both mentally and physically tough and there were times I wanted to quit.”

Mum Kerry, who waited for Kyle at the finishing line, was delighted to see him finish.

She said: “I follow Kyle’s progress and he trains for half marathon distances so he completed the first half pretty quick but as it goes on I watch his estimated finishing time change.

“I was really worried about him.

"I was just standing in the wind and that was horrible but there is so much that can go wrong with a wheelchair and I never really relax until I see him coming.

“He was shaking when he was done, he had nothing left.

“All the racers looked so defeated when they crossed the line so to get a PB was amazing.”

Kyle said:“It is the crowds, well wishes and the atmosphere that keep you going.

“I was relieved when I finished but I am glad I did the marathon, it is a good way to get ready for the season ahead.”