The former Wales captain was running in aid of a charity close to his heart

Ramsey finished the marathon in a hugely impressive time(Image: BBC)

Former Wales captain Aaron Ramsey has completed the London Marathon in an incredible time, crossing the finish line in just over three hours.

The 35-year-old, who announced his retirement from football earlier this month, took to the start line alongside 59,000 other runners on Sunday and completed the world-famous race in 3:00:30. He ran the first half of the race in 1:23:11, while he was still managing a pace of 6mins 53 secs per mile in his final split.

Ramsey was taking part in the marathon to support It’s Never You, a charity founded by his friends Ceri and Frances Menai-Davis after their six-year-old son Hugh died from rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer.

Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of the event, Ramsey said he was “excited” to swap his football boots for running shoes, adding: “Training’s been difficult, when the rain’s coming down and it’s wet and windy, and it can be quite a lonely place sometimes. But actually, I’ve enjoyed it in a weird way, being in the trenches a little bit.

“As a charity, [It’s Never You] is really close to my heart,” the former Arsenal and Cardiff City midfielder added. “I know Ceri and Fran and their family. I knew Hugh very well. My eldest boy, Sonny, is a similar age and they used to play with each other.

“I can’t imagine what they went through and what they are going through, but they’ve been an absolute inspiration to me, my family and many others.”

Ramsey’s time saw him finish ahead of the likes of Wicked actress Cynthia Erivo, who crossed the line in 3:21:40, as well as former tennis player Laura Robson (3:28:16) and newsreader Sophie Raworth (3:36:35).

He was also three seconds quicker than ex-Derby County, Burnley and Manchester United goalkeeper Lee Grant, who crossed the line moments ahead of him.

However, the ex-Juventus midfielder was narrowly beaten by ex-Formula One star Sebastian Vettel, who completed the marathon in an impressive 2:59:08.

The Welshman’s latest achievement comes less than three weeks after he announced that he was hanging up his boots, calling time on his illustrious career having not played any football for over six months.

Ramsey had previously said he wanted to play for Wales at this summer’s World Cup should they qualify, but after their defeat to Bosnia last month ended those hopes, he decided to walk away from the game.

“This has not been an easy decision to make,” he said in a statement. “After a lot of consideration, I have decided to retire from football.

“Firstly, I want to start with Wales. It has been my privilege to wear the Welsh shirt and experience so many incredible moments in it. It would not have been possible without the incredible input of all the managers I have played under and all the staff who have helped me in many ways.

“To the Red Wall. You have been there through thick and thin! You have been there through the highs and lows, and you have been an essential and indispensable part of our success. I can’t thank you enough. We’ve been through everything together and it’s been an honour to represent you. Diolch.

“Secondly, thank you to all the clubs I’ve been lucky enough to play for,” Ramsey added. “Thank you to all the managers and staff that have helped me be able to live my dream and play at the highest level.

“And a huge thank you to my wife and children and all my family. Without you by my side throughout, none of this would have been possible.”