Mayor Phillip Howells completes his 333rd and final marathon

Phillip Howells ran his 333rd and - he says - final marathon on Friday, February 10.

In doing so, he became the first person to run 111 of each of three types of marathon - road, trail and ultra-marathon.

Cllr Howells, who attracted TV and radio interest in his final marathon, said: “I’m delighted to say it was a totally successful and memorable day shared with running and non-running friends and family.

Cllr Howells running what he says is his final marathon (Image: NQ)

“I completed the race within my anticipated time range with seven hours, 11 minutes and 38 seconds in crossing a marathon finish line for the very last time.

“I now have my own bit of unique marathon running history to add to my already being one of only six UK 100 Marathon Club members to have achieved the Triple Crown award of 100 of each of road, trail and ultra-marathons, and one of only two to have achieved the ‘Perfect Triple Crown’ of 100 of each on exactly 300.

“No-one has ever achieved the 111 triple, in the UK or on the World Mega Marathon list of the currently just under 1,000 runners world-wide who have officially completed 300 or more marathons.

A cake made to celebrate the occassion (Image: NQ)

“As I am sure you will appreciate, I am very proud to have that distinct record and especially so given my age and heart condition.”

Cllr Howells’ marathon effort has been achieved while balancing his roles as Ledbury mayor and as both a town and county councillor.

He’s worked out that over the course of his running career, he has run more than 10,000 miles at an average of more than 30 miles per event. He’s also run at least one marathon in every old postal county in England and Wales.

Cllr Howells thanked everyone who has supported him along the way, adding: “What a mind blowing, unbelievable and incredible, and at many times, seeming hardly possible, but in the end an utterly fulfilling sporting endeavour, it turned out be.”