A member of the Royal Star & Garter Home team in High Wycombe has joined an elite group of runners after completing the Tokyo Marathon.

Karen Sweeting, hospitality services manager, was one of 38,000 runners taking part in the event, finishing the 26.2 mile course in 4hrs 46mins.

Following her triumphant finish, Ms Sweeting received the Six Star Finisher Medal, which is given to those who have completed all six World Marathon Majors – London, New York, Chicago, Boston, Berlin and Tokyo.

Ms Sweeting said: “It was a wet and cold marathon and the second half was unpleasant as I pulled a muscle. But I got there in the end and I’m so proud to have accomplished this goal. It’s overwhelming.”

The first marathon Ms Sweeting ran was in London in 2002 and has now run 20 road marathons.

She continued: “Running keeps me fit and healthy and helps me stay focused. There are so many times when I’m training or in a marathon and it’s tough and I wonder why I’m doing this to myself? But that makes it all sweeter when I cross the finishing line – I always burst into tears.”

Later this year, Ms Sweeting will be raising money for The Star & Garter Homes when she takes part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon.