Saracen’s Head runner breaks Guinness World Record dressed as Super Mario at London Marathon

Super Simon Killen enjoyed a double celebration at the London Marathon finish line - as he secured a personal best time and smashed a world record.

The 46-year-old completed his fifth 26.2-mile race in 2 hours 52 minutes 57 seconds in a Mario costume, which was the fastest-ever time clocked by someone dressed as a video game character.

As well as his ‘relentless’ training schedule, Simon’s dedication to the role even included growing his own version of Italian plumber’s trademark curly moustache.

“I’m really pleased. It’s been a lot of hard work training for it,” said Simon, who secured his Guinness World Record at the second attempt.

“I had a go at it a couple of years ago and missed out, so came back and did some more training.

“It was a fantastic day. The crowd were supportive, the weather was good and I had a really good day there.”

Simon, from Saracen’s Head, came close to beating the record, previously set in 2016, two years ago, his first attempt at the London Marathon.

But there was no way he was going to miss out again and followed a strict schedule to ensure he was in peak condition.

“I’ve been training nearly every day, running four days a week plus swimming and cycling to try to do cardio without picking up any injuries on the legs,” he explained.

“It’s been pretty relentless.”

While Simon, who works as an engineer at a factory in Long Sutton, enjoys an occasional game of Mario Kart with his kids, his pursuit of this particular record came about more by good fortune.

“I had the costume from a fancy dress party and thought it’d be fun to run the marathon in it,” he explained.

“It was only after that I realised there was a world record that might be in reach, so I went for it.

“I wasn’t quite fit enough the first time but I trained harder this year and managed to break it by about four minutes.

“Everyone knows who Mario is when you’re running in the costume you get a lot of love from the crowd and kids want high-fives.”

Representatives from the Guinness World Records were at the finish line to pose for photos with Simon, who is expecting his official certificate in the post any day now.

But as well as celebrations at the finish line, he has also been ther toast of friends, family and members of his running club.

“Everyone’s been really supportive,” he said.

“I’m a member of Three Counties Running Club. The guys there, everyone’s really happy for me and it makes a difference.

“Running’s a agood social thing. They’re a great bundh of people there and it’s good for your fitness, mental health and overall health.”