An Ashtead man ran his 100th marathon last weekend, in a gruelling personal challenge lasting nearly two years.

Simon Staples decided to run 100 marathons within 100 weeks - not a prerequisite to join the 100 Marathon Club – and achieved it in just 87.

Speaking of his victory, Simon said: “I guess the madness started in June 2016, having run two marathons.

“I was told by a friend about an eight-hour running event that he was planning on running. I joined him and noticed a few vests with 100 marathons club written on it.

“The seed was planted then, and at the time my wife was pregnant with twins. I wanted to be a fit dad both physically and mentally with the knowledge that life would be a challenge with twins!

“They were born prematurely on September 13, 2016 and spent 10 days in Special Care.

“Becoming a Dad twice over, within the space of 59 seconds, and wanting to be the very best I could be for them inspired me to keep going.

“The management of the task was really tough. I would be running up and down the country wherever and whenever I could, including an overnight trip to Athens to run the original authentic marathon.

“Whilst doing this I would be leaving my wife to look after the boys who are now 1.5years old. She has been insanely tolerant of my desire to have completed this and I owe her a lot!”

Rik Vercoe, a two-time Guinness World Record marathon runner welcomed Simon into the club on Saturday, February 17, at the Phoenix Jaw Dropper run at Xcel Leisure Centre, Walton-on-Thames.

He said: “Congratulations to Simon Staples, on not only achieving his 100 Marathons in 100 Weeks, but on simultaneously joining the auspicious 100 Marathon Club and earning his right to wear the yellow and blue.

“It’s been a great please watching Simon on so much of his 100 journey… we’ve had plenty of time to see Simon churning out some very strong runs indeed.”

Only members who have run at least 100 marathons are allowed to wear the blue and yellow kit, according to the club’s rules.

Many ‘dedicated runners’ attempt even bigger challengers going forwards – but only ten members are listed as achieving an insane 400 Marathons.