SERIAL world record holder Steve Edwards, from Moreton-in-Marsh, has added another to his portfolio of endurance running milestones.

In Bournemouth on Sunday, Edwards set a new world best for running 700 marathons in the fastest ever average finishing time.

Since running his first ever marathon at the age of 18 back in 1981, 53-year-old Steve has averaged 3hr 17min 55sec for every single one of his 700 marathons.

This achievement caps off another fantastic running year for Steve in which he also became the first athlete in the world to run 600 sub-3hr 30min marathons and the first British athlete to run 300 sub-3hr 15min marathons – and this despite running his last 100 marathons in just 106 weeks.

Steve has run an official marathon on average every 14 days for the last 27 years.

He's averaged 3hr 14min for his fastest 600 marathons, 3hr 12min for his fastest 500 marathons and 3hr 10min for his fastest 400 marathons, all of which are world records.

Family man Steve has three grandchildren, a full-time job in IT, is the chairman of his running club Bourton Roadrunners, and has raised more than £25,000 for various charities.

Along with his wife Teresa he has travelled all over the world to run in marathons.

Commenting after Sunday's race in which he finished in a time of 3:14.59, Steve said: "This was never meant to happen, after my first marathon I said never again.

"I still can't quite believe this has been possible. I've learned so much about myself over all the years I've been running. People say I make it look easy but it certainly isn't. If only they could see what I have to do behind the scenes just to keep up this level of fitness.

"At the end of the day though, I have a very loving and supportive wife in Teresa and without her support I know that I couldn't have achieved all that I have." Steve also thanked his sponsors Mannatech (health supplements), Team Nutrition (sports drinks) and Sub Sports (running clothing) for supporting him and hopes his achievements inspire others to follow their dreams.

Marathon number 701 takes place this weekend in York and the journey towards 1,000 marathons continues – for now at least.

Team Edwards are fundraising for Kate's Home Nursing charity. You can make a small donation to www.justgiving.com/teamedwards1000