47-year-old Paul Evans from Teddington has set a new world record by becoming the fastest man to complete the London Marathon dressed as a knight.
Yesterday, Mr Evans successfully ran 26.2 miles across the capital wearing leather boots, a tunic, cape, headpiece, cuffs, belt and equipped with sword and shield.
He managed to do so in four hours and 50 minutes, becoming a Guinness World Record holder for the fastest man in a knight costume to complete the race in its history.
Guinness World Records shared a photo of Mr Evans at the end of the finish line where he was pictured with his certificate confirming his achievement as well as his marathon medal.
The consultant, who is originally from Southampton, competed in the race to raise vital funds for Ambitious about Autism.
Ambitious about Autism is the national charity standing with autistic children and young people. The charity started as one school and has become a movement for change. It champions rights, campaigns for change and creates opportunities.
Mr Evans chose to fundraise for the Ambitious about Autism because he has a nine-year-old son who was diagnosed as autistic six years ago.
To add to his achievements, Mr Evans has now raised over £5,000, exceeding his original goal of £2023.
Speaking after the marathon, he said:
“The race was so much tougher than I could have imagined. Wearing those boots and that costume was a serious challenge! I ran, and walked, with cramp throughout my legs for 18 miles – but that wasn’t going to stop me.”
Danae Leaman-Hill, Director of External Affairs and Development at Ambitious about Autism, said:
“We are so impressed by Paul’s achievements at the London Marathon and congratulate him for setting this brilliant record. We are grateful for his incredible fundraising
efforts that will play a key role in helping us carry out our vital national work that ensures autistic children and young people can be themselves and realise their ambitions.”
For more information about Ambitious about Autism or to find out more about taking on a challenge event in support of the charity’s work, please visit
www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk
or email [email protected].
