Teesside lecturer sets new ultra running world record

A Teesside lecturer has set a new world record.

Sharon Gayter is 55 and an ultra runner.

Last night (Friday 2nd October) she broke the world record for running from John O'Groats to Land's End.

Sharon was raising money for the mental health charity MIND.

She battled sleep deprivation and torrential rain to set the new world record time at the age of 55.

Last year Sharon completed ten marathons in ten consecutive days on a treadmill, setting a new world record of 43 hours, 51 minutes and 39 seconds.

It was the third world record she has set at Teesside University.

In 2011 she broke both the men’s and women’s world records for the most distance covered on a treadmill in seven consecutive days – a record that is yet to be beaten.

She also set the record for the furthest distance on a treadmill in 12 hours.

In preparation Sharon ran a six-day race in Athens earlier this year, breaking two British Vet 55 records for 48 hours and 6 days.

She's going to be back at work on Monday morning.