Too Good To Be True?

Marathon runner Mark Vaz. Is this a case of too good to be true?

Chariots of Fire or Walter Mitty? Doubts raised over runner's incredible Land's End to John o'Groats claim: Taken at face value, it ranks as one of the all-time greatest feats of human endurance. On Sunday Mark Vaz, a 32-year-old window cleaner from Staffordshire, completed an 860-mile charity run from Land’s End to John O’Groats, and posed proudly with a sign showing his time of 7 days, 18 hours and 45 minutes, a staggering 31 hours faster than the 14-year-old record for the journey.

Shortly after reaching his goal, he submitted an application to Guinness World Records to have his achievement ratified, and his place in long-distance running history seemed assured.

Mark Vaz pictured towards the end of his run.

But the tightly-knit community of Britain’s ultra-distance runners has now challenged his claim, describing his time as “inconceivable” and branding him a fantasist.

One respected running blogger said it was “just not possible” for a “middle of the pack social runner” to knock more than a day off a record that top-class athletes had failed to beat, while another pointed out that Mr Vaz’s own updates on social media suggested he had run the last 156 miles in little more than 24 hours.

Mr Vaz’s response has been at times contradictory. In the past week he has said he is the victim of jealousy; that he will prove his doubters wrong by repeating the feat; that he is withdrawing his application to Guinness World Records; that he is taking legal action, and that he is giving up running altogether.

Mr Vaz’s Land’s End to John O’Groats run was part of an attempt to run 400 marathons in 400 days, which would also be a record.

Prior to his run, Mr Vaz had a poster made, which he put on his support van, which read: "World Record Attempt, Lands End to John O' Groats.” During the run he kept followers updated with his progress, tweeing: “On target for the world record.”

After the run he changed his Facebook profile picture to an image of himself standing underneath the John O' Groats sign pointing at Land’s End, with white writing which read: "LEJOG 7 days 18 hours 45 minutes." The official Guinness World Record for the run is 9 days 2 hours 26 mins, set by Briton Andrew Rivett in 2002, who ran for an average of 18 hours per day.

Other runners were incredulous. Ross Woodward, whose father Cavin Woodward held the world record for the fastest 100 mile run on a track in 1975, said: "If he hasn't done it in that time, then he hasn't done the full run at all – there's no middle ground.  

"If it turned out he had done it, it would be fantastic and he needs to show credible evidence of this."

Mr Vaz, who claimed he was being trolled on social media and subjected to death threats, released a statement on his Facebook page before later deleting it.

It said: “In regards to running and this record I never once stated I beat it or wanted to beat it, I did it for charity which is close to me to raise money. Unfortunately I won't be doing any more due to it affecting my health.

“I will not be going to Guinness now and making it official as I have been hounded by a number of people and it all makes it now all very bitter. Either way I can't win.”

The following day he said he was standing by his stated time after all, and was in contact with Guinness World Records.

“All I feel now is sour grapes,” he said. “I do not even need to comment on the allegations, I know my time and so do my support team who were there with me. If people do not like what I have achieved then that is up to them.”

Andy Nuttall of ULTRA Magazine, who has donated money to Mr Vaz’s fundraising page, said: "I have been following the Mark Vaz story with interest over the last year, and in particular the last week where his running has become less and less credible.

“There is doubt about his attempt – but I’m afraid it’s more than that.

"A performance of this magnitude would, in my professional opinion, propel Mark to the status not only of the greatest UK ultra runner, but probably they greatest ultra runner who ever lived.

“I have already spoken with Guinness about his World Record submission, giving them detailed pointers, if not evidence, as to why this is incredible.”

Dan Park, another ultra-running blogger, said: “It would be the ultimate Rocky storyline. Sadly it appears that this questionable run is beginning to unravel before Mark’s eyes and there is no Rocky script to be played out on the big screen. It seems far closer to a Walter Mitty spin off.”

Mr Vaz took to marathon running after his wife Tammy suffered a series of miscarriages, and has raised more than £3,500 for the baby charity Tommy’s and for Katharine House Hospice.

Last year Mr Vaz featured in national newspapers after running 53 marathons in 53 days, which he also said was a record. He managed to run his marathons while still completing his daily window cleaning round in Penkridge, near Cannock.

Guinness World Records said Mr Vaz did not hold any official running records. A spokesman said:  "It would be great to ratify this amazing achievement. We welcome Mark to continue with his application and submit his evidence for review to achieve the Guinness World Records title."

When The Daily Telegraph contacted Mr Vaz, his wife said: “We are taking legal action. I’m not speaking to anyone.”

Also see:

Meet The Super Human Window Cleaner

The UK Elite Champion Window Cleaners

This Window Cleaner's Still Going

Window Clean, Run 90 Marathons in 90 Days.. Check ✓

Window Cleaner Breaks World Record - 53rd marathon in 53 days

Revealed: The curious case of marathon man Mark Vaz: As the saga around Mark Vaz continues, and his running accomplishments come into question, the Express & Star looks back on his running history and how he ended up shrouded in controversy. It all began in April of last year, when he set out his plan to run 90 marathons in 90 days. He would be running for baby charity Tommy’s, spurred on by the heartbreak him and his wife had suffered after seven miscarriages.

In the process of his mammoth challenge, the Penkridge window cleaner would also smash the world record for consecutive marathons on consecutive days, which stood at 52. To continue on the 90 theme, Mr Vaz was also aiming to raise £90,000 for Tommy’s. He said he would continue with his window-cleaning round while undertaking the challenge and that he would begin the task on July 7.

Starting in Wolverhampton, his runs would take him through the likes of Walsall, Wheaton Aston, Rugeley, Rochester and Falmouth before finishing in Balloch in Scotland, the scene where he got married to his wife Tammy. He had the route mapped out so he would be able to hand the information over to Guinness and claim the new world record.

By August, Mr Vaz claimed to have run more than 800 miles and it was understood that he had broken the record of number of consecutive ultra marathons run on consecutive days – a record that he does not hold according to the Guinness World Book of Records. They say the record is held by American JC Santa Teresa.

Then it was reported that he had beaten the world record for consecutive marathons on consecutive days after he crossed the line at the Black Country museum to finish his 53rd marathon. Again the Express & Star can reveal that Mr Vaz does not hold this record. The Guinness World Book of Records have Akinori Kusuda from Japan down as the record holder with 52 consecutive marathons – not Mr Vaz.

As October rolled around, Mr Vaz finished his ‘90 in 90’ challenge in Chester – not Balloch – as he then proudly announced that he would be attempting a new challenge, 400 marathons in 365 days. Around the same time he also announced that he would be penning a book on his experiences – although no book is yet published.

Fast forward a week and Mr Vaz was again celebrating, this time as he crossed the line of his 100th marathon in just 97 days. He completed the challenge in Royal Parks, London.

He was due to take some time off from running after the challenges to rest up, but by November he told the Express & Star he had run his 130th marathon. He added that he had not quite worked out the logistics for his 400 in 365 challenge as he continued to run marathons locally.

But there was no slowing down for Mr Vaz, who said he reached the 170 mark in December and then the halfway point in January earlier this year. In the same month he also featured in a promotional video for Microsoft’s new fitness band, which has been viewed over 177,000 times on YouTube. The tech giant have now distanced themselves from Mr Vaz, saying: “Mark Vaz featured in promotional activity earlier this year. “Microsoft Band was not involved in his recent record [LEJOG] attempt. Beyond that, we have nothing else to share.”

In February Mr Vaz allegedly broke the record for the number of marathons run in a year when he completed his 240th, but again Guinness has a separate runner listed as the record holder.

Mr Vaz had previously said on numerous occasions he would be running from Lands End to John O’ Groats in an attempt to break the world record. He said he would complete the challenge in March, but had to pull out due to injury. It was around this time that his coach, Steve O’Brien, said he developed doubts as Mr Vaz would not discuss the injury or reveal any data that he requested, something Mr Vaz strongly denies.

He reattempted the challenge this month and claimed to finish it in world record time, but has now said he will not be submitting the information to Guinness to claim the world record as all he wanted was to raise money and awareness for charity.

Despite the damaging questions over Mr Vaz’s achievements, he must be given credit for the money he has raised for charity – something he has repeatedly said was the core reason for taking on these challenges.

At the time of writing he has raised over £2,000 for Make A Wish, the charity he picked for his LEJOG run. They say they are receiving the money in ‘drips and drabs’ as that is how money is released by Virgin Giving and they have no doubt that ‘the money will come’.

Ex High Rise Guy Serves Vietnam Veterans

Chuck Schryer, an ex-high-rise window washer stands in front of the van he drives.

Volunteer drives 250K miles for disabled veterans (Marion, IL) - A retired U.S. Army veteran has spent the past 10 years driving disabled veterans to and from the Marion, Illinois Veterans Affair's hospital. Chuck Schryer served in the Army's 173rd Airborne and three years overseas during the Vietnam War. The retired high-rise window washer spends his free time serving disabled veterans like himself.

Schryer said he suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and receives care from the Marion VA. He said he wanted to make sure other veterans like himself can receive care. “It’s been hectic at times,” Schryer said.

Schryer helped found Chapter 80 of the non-profit group Disabled American Veterans Charity, that serves veterans in the 29 counties in southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, and western Kentucky. Chapter 80 started by fundraising for one van and has grown to own and operate 11 vans. “For the veterans. I figure if we don’t take care of one another, no one else will take care of us,” Schryer said.

The DAV brings 125 veterans to and from the Marion VA each month. Schryer has driven more than 250,000 miles over the past 10 years. “You hear a lot of stories from the vets when you’re in there… It’s an honor to do,” Schryer said.

The DAV serving the Marion VA is in need of volunteers. Anyone with a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance can volunteer. If you’re interested you can call the Marion VA Hospital at 618-997-5311 and ask for volunteer services.

Vietnam

Time to forgive — Fifty years after the start of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War and the rise of the antiwar movement that in part made the return home for soldiers less than welcoming, it is time to move on, said Chuck Schryer. “We both need to forget and forgive, the veterans and the people,” Schryer said. “There were a lot of harsh feelings when the Vietnam vet came home. He didn’t help the situation. We were called the bad boys, and we were the bad boys.

“It’s time to forgive.” Schryer, of Flora, served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. He made his remarks at a Marion VA Medical Center event to honor veterans of the tumultuous era. The Defense Department’s Vietnam War Commemoration was set by a presidential proclamation on May 28, 2012, establishing a 13-year program to remember the veterans. “While no words will ever be fully worthy of their service, nor any honor truly befitting their sacrifice, let us remember that it is never too late to pay tribute to the men and women who answered the call of duty with courage and valor,” President Barack Obama wrote at the time.

According to VA information, there are more than 7 million living Vietnam veterans and 9 million families of those who served. Schryer also gave his thanks to the Marion VA, but he has been doing that for 10 years. In May, he will be recognized by the Illinois chapter of the Daugthers of the American Revolution for his volunteer service to the Medical Center, donating 150,000 hours of his time, the most at the VA.

Among his service, Schryer drives veterans across the region to and from the VA for the Disabled American Veterans charity, logging 250,000 miles. He put in a plug for the DAV, saying more drivers are needed. “The VA in Marion is probably one of the best there is,” he said.

This Window Cleaner's Still Going

Super human, Mark Vaz broke a world record while managing to keep doing his window cleaning day job... and he’s still running!

Marathon runner halfway through ‘400 in 365’ challenge: Marathon man Mark Vaz is almost halfway through his outrageous challenge of completing 400 marathons in 365 days despite dislocating his shoulder earlier in the week.

Mark is raising funds for Adoption UK as he attempts to become the first man to run 400 marathons in a year – so more than one a day. The current record is 239 marathons. To put Mark’s challenge into context, he will be aiming to run a total of 10,488 miles, roughly the same distance as flying from London to Sydney, Australia (10,553 miles).

The window cleaner from Penkridge, Staffs, is set to complete his 200th marathon in Telford on Saturday 23rd January, despite his earlier setback. The accident happened as Mark set himself the challenge of a triple marathon in a day on Monday 18th January. “I tripped over a log on Cannock Chase during my third marathon,” Mark explained. “It was ruddy painful but my friend Phil, who I was running with, popped it back in so I was able to complete 81 miles in a day.”

Mark, who grew up in Shrewsbury after being adopted, described his challenge, which he started in July, 2015, as an “emotional rollercoaster”. “Every day’s different but I’ve never had any problems getting myself out of bed at 4am to go running, as I love it!” On reaching his 200th marathon, Mark said: “It will be like a great weight has been lifted from my shoulders – if you’ll pardon the pun! It’s a real morale-booster to know I’ll be halfway there.”

The 32 year-old’s next big milestone will be his 300th marathon when he runs in the Greater Manchester Marathon on 10th April. Part of Mark’s 400th marathon will see him return to his home town, where he will compete in the Shrewsbury Half Marathon on 19th June. He will also be running from Land’s End to John O’Groats in March, which will be 813 miles in nine days.

Mark, who can be found on Twitter @400in365, hopes to have broken a Guinness World Record after running 90 marathons in as many days last year. The current record is 52 but Mark’s record will not be officially ratified until he finishes his current challenge. Anyone who would like to sponsor Mark can do so by visiting his online fundraising page.

Wash You A Merry Christmas

Christmas spirit: window-cleaner Luca Bertagna.

South Croydon window-cleaner Luca Bertagna becomes Santa to wash you a merry Christmas: A window-cleaner will become Santa for a week in a bid to bring festival sparkle to Croydon homes. Luca Bertagna, 36, of Sanderstead, will wash elderly and disabled people’s windows for free and give them cards and gifts – though from his usual van instead of a sleigh drawn by reindeer.

The dad-of-two, who launched his business Simple Clean just over a year ago, said he wanted to give something back to the community after a successful first 12 months of trading. He said: “All through the year when I go around or one of my guys goes around there are elderly people who pop up next door who want a chat, but who maybe can’t afford a window cleaner or don’t feel comfortable getting one. “They either haven’t got the money or just wouldn’t think of ringing up.

“We have had a reasonably successful year, with the contacts we have made and the contracts we’ve got, so going forward I want to make it a tradition that every year we do a week of charity work. “We want to start a tradition that encompasses the social responsibility I think is important to have.”

The benevolent businessman hopes to visit between 100 and 150 houses during his week of charity, which he will start on Monday. He said: “I put it on Facebook and loads of people got in contact suggesting people they knew. “It is going to be a bit of graft. We are certainly going to have to put in a bit of work. We don’t want to do a bad job.

“We don’t want any future business from these people. I picked a demographic that needed the help. We are just doing it as a present, not to get loads of business." "Hopefully we will be helping the members of our community that are most in need every Christmas and also raising awareness so other people will do their bit too.” Mr Bertagna, who employs two full-time and eight part-time staff, added: “I’ve got two girls so it is a bit to teach them that it is not all about us, as well.”

Braving The Shave

A team of window cleaners will swap buckets of water for the barber's chair to raise money for a children's charity.

Window cleaners brave the shave for charity: Eight members of staff from JA Lee Windows will take on the Brave The Shave challenge in aid of Macmillan Cancer For Kids tomorrow. The team will all have their hair cut at Mane Street Barbers in Cockermouth and want to raise at least £2,000.

Andrew Lee, JA Lee's owner, said he had been affected by cancer and he wanted to help the charity.

He said: "I lost my father to cancer when I was 18 or 19 and I also lost an uncle and family friends to it. I saw the film The Fault In Our Stars as well as an advert for Macmillan and I decided I wanted to do something. "I then found out about Brave The Shave so we signed up to do it and set up all the lads with sponsorship."

The Brave The Shave campaign's aim is to encourage people to shave their heads and stand alongside men and women who have the illness. The window cleaners have had to resist the temptation to get a haircut until now and have been growing their locks ahead of the day.

Ready for the off: Andrew Lee prepares to have his head shaved by window cleaners. You may recognise Andrew when he was on the committee for the FWC (Federation of window cleaners).

Andrew added: "We've had a good response. The lads have been getting sponsorship and when I told them I was doing it seven out of nine staff said they'd do it. "This is the first time I have done this. I've done sponsored bike rides and sponsored swims in the past, but I've never done this kind of thing.  "I just hope my hair doesn't grow back grey! I agreed to go first and I'm going to buy the lads a lunch." The group will also go round Cockermouth tomorrow to collect donations and hope members of the public and local businesses can help them reach their target. To donate go here.

Meet The Super Human Window Cleaner

Super human, Mark Vaz broke a world record while managing to keep doing his day job... and he’s still running!

This guy ran 90 marathons in 90 days: Mark Vaz broke a world record while managing to keep doing his day job... and he’s still running! Could you run a marathon and then go to work? Maybe once, but could you do that for 90 days? That's what this guy has done, and he's still going.

Mark Vaz has broken the official Guinness World Record for most marathons run on consecutive days – previously 52 – and he now hopes to smash the record for most marathons run in one year, which currently sits at 239. He hopes to run 400 by running more than one marathon some days.

The Englishman has been doing all this while still working as a window cleaner. We spoke to the marathon man to find out why he decided to take up the challenge.

So first off, how did it feel to finish your 90th Marathon?

After the MBNA Chester Marathon I was really, really emotional, the last two miles in particular, as it was coming to an end. 90 marathons in 90 days was the goal, but I've kept going to reach 100 marathons in 100 days.

But you've decided to keep on running to break another record?

I've kept on running and my plan is to run 400 marathons in a year. At the moment I'm running from Stafford to London. That's 140 miles (225km)  in three days. Yesterday I ran 70 miles (112km), and today I'll run 53. It's not a huge amount of miles, but it's a good slog. The 70 miles was difficult, not so much physically but mentally. Around mile 50 I took a tantrum, it was really difficult.

Finishing the 90th marathon was emotional.

That's quite a challenge. Why are you doing this, and why was 90 the initial goal?

I decided to take up the challenge to raise money for two charities – Tommy's The Baby Charity and Katherine House Hospice. The idea to run 90 came into my head as I wanted to raise £90,000. Pregnancy also lasts nine months, so the nine connection, and I also really wanted to see what my body could cope with. I never doubted I would complete the challenge, when I decide to do something I will do it – I just keep going. I never doubted I would complete the challenge.

Pain as Mark Vaz reaches the finish line.

Did you have much experience of running before this?

I've run since I was young, and realised early on that I was good at distances. I hadn't done an official marathon before, but had regularly run 20 miles (32km) on my own. My previous marathon time was 4.5 hours but my quickest time in this challenge happened on day 60 – 2h 56m.

How did you train for the challenge?

I trained for eight months before the challenge started by running and going to the gym. I lifted weights in the gym to strengthen my muscles and bones. I also didn't overdo it. I would run maybe 18 miles (28km) then have a day off, the key was consistency and balance.

Thumbs up from Vaz in Chester.

What have been the toughest and best parts?

The challenge was most difficult at the beginning. On the evening after day three I had terrible pins and needles in the back of my legs, I was in so much pain. But it was my body adapting to the increased mileage; it's getting so much easier.

Have you had to eat a lot more to cope with all the mileage you're covering?

I've been drinking lots of milk, eating pasta, fish, fruit, vegetables – all the healthy stuff. I've eaten a few bits of junk food but mainly to get my calories up. I've had to eat a lot more than usual! My body is adapting to the challenge!

The end of the marathon was emotional.

Of course we have to know, how many pairs trainers have you gone through?

I've gone through 14 pairs of trainers so far but have been sponsored by New Balance, who send me new pairs. That's been a real help.

And will we see you in the Guinness Book of Records?

Guinness knows about the record and I will send away all my times when I have finally finished.

Follow Mark's journey on Facebook and visit his fundraising page. More info here.

Window Clean, Run 90 Marathons in 90 Days.. Check ✓

A typical day sees Mark get up in the morning and head to work, window cleaning from 8am, finishing by 2pm, then lacing up his runners and heading out to clock another marathon distance. Click to enlarge.

90 marathons in 90 days not enough for fundraiser Mark: For most mere mortals running one marathon is an epic achievement following months of training and aches and pains. But its not enough for the 32-year-old who is now planning to hit the 400 mark for marathons - all within one year. He has shed buckets, hit walls of pain and even worn out 14 pairs of trainers on his huge adventure.

The 32-year-old from Penkridge planned to raise £90,000 in total, but has so far raised £4,300 - although he still hopes to generate more. Mark, who completed his 90th marathon in 3 hours and 24 minutes in Chester on Sunday, said he was 'over the moon' to have reached his initial goal. He said: “I feel good, I feel positive but, wow, it was tough. I passed out on the line. “Some of the route was uphill – hitting the 24th mile and having to run uphill was not ideal but still I got there and I couldn’t have achieved this without all my supporters."

Mark’s initial 2,340-mile challenge, which started kicked off in July, came about so he could raise vital funds and awareness for Katharine House Hospice in Stafford and Tommy’s, the baby charity that funds research into pregnancy problems and provides information to parents. The driving force behind Mark’s efforts is his wife, Tammy, who has endured six miscarriages and has found the support from the Tommy’s charity a huge help.

Having crossed the finishing line of 90 marathons in 90 days - you might now expect super runner & window cleaner Mark Vaz to throw in the towel. He's planning on running 400 marathons in a year. 

Having already smashed the world record of running 53 marathons over 53 consecutive days, his next sigh in on doing 239 in a year, a record set by American Larry Macon in 2013. And he will not be stopping there though, with the world record attempt part of his challenge called 9090 & Beyond, which will see him tackling 400 marathons in a year - doubling up on some days - as well as a 400 mile Manchester to London return trip, and Land's End to John O'Groats in April.

His goal during the past 90 days was to raise cash, but now he accepts over the past 12 weeks pounding the streets and countryside has become such a way of life for the window cleaner he is not quite ready to leave it all behind him. He is even planning to write a book on his experiences to raise more cash for the charities, with his fundraising tally a long way off his target. He concedes it was an ambitious target to set.

And the money raised is one of the niggling doubts that creeps into Mark's mind during low days. He says: "I was very close to quitting this morning if I am being honest with you. It was just one of those days, you get those dark days and you wonder why you are doing it. "But I've kept going, I don't want to give up."

The practical side of running a marathon every single day, and more than one on some days, is also taking its toll. Needing to consume at least 5,000 calories each day - the average man needs half of this - Mark says as well as the usual pasta and carb-heavy meals, some days he ends up at McDonalds 'just to pack in the calories'. "I am losing too much weight. Me and my physio worked out I need 5,000 calories a day, minimum, but it is very hard to sustain that really," he says.

His physiotherapist, Active Therapy's Andrew Caldwell, has also been a key aspect of his success so far. Mark says he sees him once a week, sometimes twice: "He has been really good to me he has. "Believe me, I have had my injuries, I have just run through it. I trained for it for quite awhile, and I have had injuries I have just been fortunate enough to find a good physio. "I have walked a couple only because I have had no choice, but I have still done the distance."

A typical day sees Mark get up in the morning and head to work for 8am, finishing by 2pm, then lacing up his runners and heading out to clock another marathon distance. He says: "If I am busy at night I get up and do my marathon at 3am, then go in to work. "I do get some sleep, if I am not running or working I am sleeping. It definitely is a challenge."

Mark completes a marathon at the Black Country Museum.

It is also proving to be a challenge financially, he says. Along with his grocery bills shooting up to cope with the sheer amount of extra food he needs to fuel each day, the entry fees for official marathons, travel costs, and accommodation are all adding up, as well as missing time at work for some of the events. Mark says: "It has cost me a lot of money to do this challenge, I wouldn't like to think how much it has cost me."

He is upfront when he says a large part of completing the 9090 & Beyond challenge will come down to finances, and at the moment plans for a Manchester to London round trip, totalling 400 miles, have stalled as he tries to find accommodation. As well as the gruelling physical and financial demands - Mark has worn through 14 pairs of trainers donated by sponsor New Balance - the toughest battle he faces is mental.

He says: "It is all in your head now. It is a nightmare sometimes. "This morning I wanted to quit but then I spoke to my friends. It was just a number of things, and I was telling them all this and they said just keep doing what you are doing, they persuaded me to keep going."

Another rock for Mark is his wife, Tammy, who has supported his challenge from the very beginning - although he does let out a bit of a chuckle when asked her reaction to his plans to more than quadruple his efforts. "Because we have sort of got that balance now, we have got a routine going and because it is a good balance we can keep going really," he says. "But I am realistic because too much...well, life's a bit more important sometimes."

The people he has met along the way have also been a great boost to him, he says, whether they be supporters or fellow runners. When asked what the highlights of the past few months have been, other than completing his 90 marathons goal, his answers all involve people, including Stoke FIT Running Club, Shrewsbury Town Football Club, and various other running clubs. Mark says: "If it wasn't for the people I wouldn't be able to do the challenge to be honest, it would just make it boring wouldn't it?"

Running the first of his 90 marathons.

He also mixes up his running routes each day to keep things interesting, and in the process has become an expert on local distances. "Oh, it is completely different every day, oh god I would get bored wouldn't I?" he says. "I now know in my head how far everything is. Stafford from my house is 8.5 miles, so I go to Stafford and do a few miles around town, and then run home."

Every single mile is logged in his Garmin watch, which is the main recorder for the Guinness Book of World Records. As well as taking photographs at each event and getting witness statements, there is a lot of admin work involved in breaking world records - sometimes 'more bloody admin than running', Mark says.

It is not, however, all about the records, although they do help to raise awareness and attract attention to his fundraising drive. Because running 90 consecutive marathon distances - now an even more impressive 400 - certainly attracts some interesting reactions. Mark laughs: "Crazy. Mad. Some people say I am absolutely bonkers but they know why I am doing it.

Dorset Window Cleaning Trade Show - May 9th

Click to enlarge. Hey, that's me with my back to you (on the right).

WCP Trade Show in Dorset - May 9th 2015. Freshwater Beach Holiday Park, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4PT. Mark Munro says "I'd like to let you know about the WCP Tradeshow being held on 9th May 2015, this will be the biggest window cleaning show ever in the UK."

This show is going to be like no other that you have been to before and it will be full of the most amazing suppliers as you can see from the list below. During the day (10.00 am - 4 pm) there will be lots of window cleaning demonstrations and a few competitions, there will also be a licensed bar and food available as well.

Then if you would like to stay on longer, in the evening there will be a licensed bar available with music, auctions and raffles in aid of Cancer Research where we can all meet up for a chat. As the venue is a holiday camp, there is plenty to do (indoor/outdoor pools, bowling) so you could stay for more than the day if you wanted.

Event plan & layout - click to enlarge. It's still not to late to book for the show if you are interested in showing your business off!

There are special events & a competition timetable. When you've finished playing with all of those great window cleaning tools and maybe bought a few of them, enjoyed all of the demonstrations and introduced yourself to everyone you've been chatting to online why not stay on as there is a licensed bar which will be serving alcoholic drinks from 6pm until the early hours of Sunday morning along with a Dj playing lots of great music.

There will also be competitions in the evening with some fantastic prizes so don't rush off home, the show isn't all business we're here to have fun too and get to know each other.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT ORGANISER markmunro009@btinternet.com

Click to go to site.

The prizes so far donated to the raffle & charity auction (it's not too late to add your own!):

Unger have kindly offered a nLite® HydroPower DI Starter Kit (DIK12), including everything you need to start cleaning with pure water at heights of up to 6 m (20 ft).

Window Cleaning Warehouse have donated a Facelift BackPack, Ren mini pole,Facelift brush and all the fittings to go with the package.

Darren Ansbro donates a digital controller.

Daniel Churchouse has donated a ProGutter box set of all 4 attachments.

Mark Blundell from Aquafed for donates a Wireless Camera and Monitor.

Peter Rutherford from Safe Reach donates a controller.

Stephen Scargill from Aquaeous has kindly donated a 400llt Tank

Ian Sheppard Spring Europe donates one voucher for a V11 Digital + Pump & one voucher for a V11 analogue + Pump

Ionics Systems donate a 25ft Glyder Pole.

Becci Swan donates 4 hours of calling with data.

Be in for a chance to win!

Terry Burrows has offered for our Auction for Cancer research; A copy of his Guinness World Record Certificate, the 9.14 seconds World record set in BlackPool 2009. He will get it photocopied, framed and will Autograph this copy for the winner.

SpaceVac donate a SpaceVac 900 240v Wet and Dry High System – RRP £2295.00 this includes Nilfisk Vacuum, 12 metres of 50mm Poles, Flexi Hose, Cleaning heads and Remote Camera.

X-Line: James Daykin donates a pole, brush and a 'new to market' carbon fibre gooseneck.

Peter Fogwill donates 2 aqua Taps.

Karl Robinson donates 6 blogs for any window cleaners who want exposure by a Q&A session or would like to tell their story.

9 Bottles of Vision.

Alex Gardiner donates a six pack bundle of Supreme™ brushes.

Grippa tank give a 10% off a GrippaMAX System Voucher, also 2 reels of 8mm minibore hose, 2 reels of 6mm microbore hose.

Pure freedom donate voucher for a total of £250.00 to spend on anything they supply.

Just Janitorial for donate 4 x 5lts of traffic film remover.

plus more prizes to be announced on the day!

Wagtail reveal it's newest creation, this will change the way we window clean!

Window Cleaning Everyday In Fancy Dress

Ian Kevern wore 30 different suits in 30 days for charity. Click all images to enlarge.

Torrington window cleaner dons a costume a day for charity: A window cleaner has raised thousands of pounds for charity after donning a different suit every day last month for work. Ian Kevern, from Torrington, created the Suitember challenge to raise money for Edukid and the Barnstaple Chemotherapy Unit appeal. So far Ian has raised £3,800. From Spiderman and Scooby Doo to Woody Woodpecker, Ian wore a different fancy dress outfit every day throughout September while on his window cleaning rounds. Donate here.

Ian said: “What a month it turned out to be. Torrington and surrounding community have been amazing, very supportive and encouraging. “I think this was helped by a daily blog on Facebook which kept everyone up to date with what I was wearing and what I got up to. “Every morning around 7am my wife Tanya launched the day to show what I would be dressed up in, she produced a concept photo which took a few hours every night to create.”

Ian fulfilled his window cleaning duties despite being stung by a hornet and being taken into hospital.

He said: “I think the worse day was when I was Spiderman. I got stung on the head by a massive hornet and had to go to hospital for two hours. “I had a bad reaction and went into anaphylactic shock and had to take some steroids to calm things down.”

Ian said his favourite suit was his Breaking Bad costume. He said: “The day I did the character Walter White I went into town and had just about everybody pose for a photo with me and had them holding a bag with blue sugar in it.”

Ian said September’s hot weather caused havoc when he wore long wigs. He said: “One day I was Woody Woodpecker and I was hot I went for a swim in the Torridge when my beak went somewhat limp. “I turned a few heads along the way, my favourite moment was when I took my dogs out dressed as Marilyn Monroe in a red dress and blonde wig. “A white van man tooted his horn and shouted out the window. His face was a picture when I turned my head to look at him.”

Previous Blog on Suitember here.