Epsom’s own superhero SOS has undertaken yet another mighty challenge.

This time the Lycra-clad crusader is trying to set a world record by taking part in a 1,000-strong 10km Heroes Run in Brighton on Sunday, May 16.

In May last year, the long standing world record was broken by 545 superheroes, who powered along Brighton’s seafront.

But in August 2009, a whopping 1,016 superheroes gathered in New Hampshire, USA, and almost doubled the Brighton record.

So this year, SOS and co are determined not only to take back their record but to set one that will not be broken for some time.

The caped crimefighter shot to national prominence last month when he gatecrashed the premiere of blockbuster Kick-Ass having just completed his own film, Superhero Me SOS, real name Steve Sale, who unmasked earlier this year, believes the record is there to be smashed.

He said: “A friend told me about it as it is an annual event. Lots of last year’s superheroes are quite miffed they lost their world record and are determined to claim it back.

“So this year we are trying to take the record back and are aiming for more than 1,016 to take part on Sunday.

Worryingly, I’ve not done a lot of running because it obviously gets a little uncomfortable and hot in the Lycra and mask.

“Since I stopped filming, I’ve been back on the fast food and booze, which is not very superhero-like, so I’m not exactly the rippling specimen I was last year.

“With a bit of luck it won’t a hot day on Sunday because of my skin-tight outfit and the potential for chafing.”

The Heroes Run was set up in 2004 by Matt Lambert and James MacDonald after they ran the Dublin marathon dressed as Batman.

Last year, the event raised more than £30,000 and, since its inception, it has been responsible for funding a whole range of projects in Ghana, Gambia and Kenya.