An avid runner has broken the world record for the fastest marathon - on crutches.

Chris Terrill, 72, completed the 2024 Brighton Marathon in six hours, 11 minutes and 11 seconds - just four months after having hip replacement surgery.

The former filmmaker had already signed up for the event before breaking his hip in a cricket accident.

And Chris, who has completed at least 50 marathons in his life, did not want to back out of the April 7 race - so decided to give it a go on crutches.

It wasn't until weeks after crossing the finish line that a friend told Chris, from Brighton, about the record.

Now, almost a year later, he has been ratified as the Guinness World Record holder for the fastest marathon on crutches (male) - beating the previous time by more than 13 minutes.

Chris said: "I thought my running days were over. But I was already registered for the Brighton Marathon in 2024 so I decided to have a go at it using crutches. "

"I didn't even know that there was a record. I was delighted and very surprised when they told me. If I had known there was a record to break, I would have tried to go even faster."

Chris says that the unique marathon method was very hard on his arms and shoulders, as well as leaving blisters across his hands.

And, despite breaking a record, he says that his time was over double what he can usually complete a marathon in.

He added: "You are carried by the atmosphere of the crowd and the fellow runners. "

"I felt really slow, so I was disappointed until I realised that it was actually a world record. "

"My crutches have now got pride of place in my office. It is not something I particularly want to do again, but I am glad I have done it."

Having completed marathons across the world, Chris says that Brighton is his favourite, and that he runs it every year for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RMRNC).

Chris is an honorary Royal Marine and an ambassador for the charity, always running in RNRMC colours and wearing his green beret.

Sam Nicolson, chief operating officer at RNRMC, said: "It is an absolutely phenomenal achievement, particularly while running in memory of his friend, Commander Bob Hawkins, one of the Royal Navy's biggest characters. "

"All at Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity want to say a big thank you to RNRMC Ambassador Chris for his dedication and efforts in raising awareness and funds to support the Royal Naval Community past and present."

Chris now has his sights set on the Brighton Half Marathon on March 2 - which he intends to run "back on two legs" having made a full recovery."