British athlete first to run a marathon in every country
A BRITISH athlete has set a world record after running a marathon in every country in just under two years.
Nick Butter, 30, quit his banking job and embarked on his solo expedition in January 2018 after being inspired by a friend with terminal cancer.
He has since covered 5,130 miles in organised events across seven continents, overcoming the extreme heat of the Sahara Desert and the bitter cold of Antarctica.
Mr Butter, of Cranborne in Dorset, has averaged three marathons a week for the last 22 months – burning an estimated 1.5million calories in 5.1million steps.
During the 675- day adventure he has been hit by a car, bitten by a dog, broken his elbow and even been shot at.
Yesterday, he completed his final event – the Authentic Marathon in Athens – making him the first person to run a marathon in 196 nations.
He hopes to raise a total of £250,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.
Mr Butter, pictured, said: ‘It’s been the most incredible experience, I’ve seen things you wouldn’t even imagine as I’ve ran across the world. I’ve been through ten passports and something like 120 visas. It’s gone so fast, yet at the same time feels like I’ve been doing it forever, it’s a weird reality and I can’t believe I’m at the finish line.’
Mr Butter was inspired to complete the feat by fellow runner and friend Kevin Webber, who set off running marathons across the world after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014.
He said: ‘When Kevin told me “don’t wait for the diagnosis” it really struck a chord with me and I just knew I had to do something to raise money for the charity. Kevin’s words motivated me to get out there, see the world and do what I’m really passionate about.’
Mr Butter raised an initial £46,000 to cover his costs and started his adventure running in -25C in Toronto. During his travels he carried everything he needed to survive, camping wild or bedding down with supporters. He has raised a further £63,000 on his Just Giving page as well as about £20,000 in external donations.