The 45-year-old IT specialist from Lower Earley completed the 13.1 mile course in 1:52:00 after a grandstand finish at Madejski Stadium.

Byers raised more than £4,500 for the British Heart Foundation including a large donation from his chief sponsors, Woodley-based Stewarts Coaches, who also sponsor Binfield FC.

And Byers is hoping to raise even more money soon when he takes part in next month’s London Marathon.

He said: “I have more than £4,500 pledged from around 70 major sponsors including Stewarts Coaches, who have given me £500. I can’t thank everyone enough who made a donation.

“I could hardly move at the finish so heaven knows how I will feel after the London Marathon because Reading is only half way.

“But I beat my time from last year by a couple of minutes, so I’m happy.” Byers was running for the British Heart Foundation in memory of his late father, George.

“He was well known in the Reading area and the old Caversham cronies will all remember him,” added Byers. “I didn’t stop for a beer at the Nag’s Head along the route of the Half Marathon. My dad would be ashamed as he went in there most days.” If you would like to sponsor Byers at the London Marathon and raise funds for the BHF go to www.justgiving.com/Colin-Byers1/