They say life begins at 40 - but for the oldest woman in this year's London Marathon, 58 was the magic number, writes Tom Kell.

Doreen Offredi, 78, completed her ninth London Marathon on Sunday despite not beginning to run regularly until the age of 58.

She has also run gruelling marathon courses in Budapest, Berlin and Paris.

She said: "I watched the London Marathon one year and just fancied running it myself.

"When my husband said I was too old to start running seriously, I was even more determined to do it."

Offredi, from Colliers Wood, has raised over £600 for The WellChild charity for running this year's race in seven hours 42 minutes.

"I don't think it's particularly impressive," said Doreen.

"But it was too hot for me this year and I really struggled to enjoy it. I had to start walking after 11 miles."

Offredi still runs three times a week and has been a member of Wimbledon Windmilers for 18 years.

She said: "I love to run and I also go belly dancing once a week, as well as riding my bike as often as possible.

"I love to be outside and in the countryside. I go on a cycling holiday once a year with my friend and we once rode across England in five days."

You might think it takes a strict all year round diet to be able to run a marathon at the age of 78. Not a bit of it.

Doreen said: "At my age you don't worry about what you eat. I certainly don't like all these sweet energy drinks.

"On race-day I just drink lots of water and eat a bowl of Weetabix and a banana."

Offredi admits that she was aching more than usual following the race, and that it might have to be her last.

Don't count on it, though.

She said: "Everyone keeps saying I should have one more shot at it when I'm 80. Maybe I will be back on the start line in 2009."