Whitstable's Ryan Holmes ran into the New Year with a spring in his step after breaking a marathon world record.

The 21-year-old has now entered the Guinness World Records as the youngest person to complete a phenomenal 100 marathons in one year – beating the previous record holder by two years and 49 days.

Ryan, who was raising money for a leukaemia and lymphoma charity, rounded off his century of runs at Betteshanger Country Park in Deal on Saturday.

“It’s great – this is something I’ve strove for and it was a mountain to climb,” he said.

“After about the third or fourth marathon of the year, my friends pointed out the 100 target. From then on I focused on reaching that.

“Along the way, I have also competed in a couple of 100-mile ultra endurance runs which were very tough.”

With a best time of three hours, 33 minutes in a normal marathon, Ryan has raised more than £1,400 online for the charity Bloodline.

The former Herne Bay High pupil added: "The main obstacle is definitely the mental challenge.

“Obviously, there is physical strain but the tough part is getting your head through it – but I knew I could do it and carried on.

“In the mornings it is sometimes hard to have the drive but I get through by keeping focused and determined on the target.”

Ryan also had to overcome pain after developing iliotibial band syndrome (IT band injury) in early December – when the band, which runs from the hip to the shin, is tight or inflamed.

“I have had a few injuries along the way with my back and knees but I pushed through the pain,” he said.

“Running is a great hobby for socialising and there is a great community of people. To train, I’ve been going to the gym about four times a week and also do karate.”

The Westmeads Road resident, who is a control systems engineer on the London Underground, has ran throughout Kent and Surrey during the year. In November, he ran 10 marathons in ten days.

His new year’s resolution, however, is not to relax as he has more targets in his sights.

“I want to now push on and break more records,” he said.

“I’m looking at trying to be the youngest 100 road marathon runner and to do trail marathons and more of the ultras.”

To support Ryan and donate to Bloodline visit his fundraising page here.