They ran the second half of the 26.2-mile event on their own yesterday and were welcomed at a hastily arranged finish gantry in The Mall, where they were presented with their medals by Dave Bedford, the race director.

	Mission accomplished: Isaya (right) and Taico with medals

The pair were forced to abandon the race and the four other Maasai in their group after 13 miles on Sunday when Isaya, the leader of the group, fell sick because a ceremonial strapping on his leg had been too tight and affected his circulation.

While Ngovu, Lengami, Ninna and Kesika finished the marathon in 5hr 24min 47sec, Isaya was taken to hospital accompanied by Taico for moral support.