Sharon's on top of the world

1:05pm Saturday 16th September 2006

A NORTH-EAST RUNNER who suffers from asthma has broken a world record by completing a gruelling run from Lands End to John O'Groats.

Sharon Gayter, from Guisborough, finished the 837-mile charity run at exactly 11.23pm last night.

She recorded a time of 12 days 16 hours and 23 minutes as she crossed the finishing line at John O'Groats, the most northerly settlement on mainland Britain.

The epic achievement smashed the previous female world record of 13 days and ten hours and one minute, held since 1995 by Sandra Brown.

It also prompted a double celebration, as she completed the challenge on her husband Bill's 45th birthday.

Accompanied by a five-man support team, which included her husband, Mrs Gayter, 42, had followed a tight schedule in which she ran approximately 64 miles every day.

She ran in four 16-mile stretches each day since starting the challenge.

Speaking as the party made their way back to England, team member Ivor Roberts confirmed she had scooped the record.

He said all the paperwork had been prepared for her achievement to be recorded officially.

"Getting the record was her birthday present to her husband, so she was under pressure to finish the race before midnight," he said, adding that they cracked open the champagne after she crossed the finishing line.

"The mood here is one of elation. We are all very happy - over the moon."

All money raised is going to Asthma UK.

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