This was the moment a London marathon runner passed the finishing line, marched over to his injured girlfriend before dropping down on one knee and asking her to marry him.

Surbiton couple Steve Molloy and Sarah Jenkins, both 36, were both set to run the London Marathon together at the weekend, but Miss Jenkins was left a cheering spectator in crutches after she fractured her hip while training.

But the market researcher was in for a big surprise when her boyfriend of nearly seven years crossed the finishing line after three hours and 27 minutes only to pop the question half an hour after.

Miss Jenkins said: “I wasn’t exactly expecting it because the day was meant to be all about him. I think I asked him if he was being serious. I was surprised that he did it in front of everyone. “It was all very surreal.

"He asked my dad for permission there and then. He gave him about 30 seconds notice. I am currently wearing Claire’s accessories finest ring until we go shopping.”

Mr Molloy, who works as an engineer, said: “It was an emotional day and I wanted to make her happy. The whole family were down so it was good timing.

“There was a lot of disbelief, tears and shock, but I had planned it and had a plastic ring ready – that is if I was able to get down on one knee after the running.”

Mr Molloy took part in the marathon to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK, after his aunt died of the illness and his mother recovered from it. He will also be taking part in Ride London 100 in August and L’Etape Du Tour, a stage at the Tour de France for amateur cyclists.

After the proposal the couple celebrated their engagement at a pub with friends and family but are yet to set a date for the wedding.