HE has battled sore muscles, aching joints, mental exhaustion and the pain of not seeing his two-year-old son for weeks at a time.

But yesterday marathon man Mike Buss broke the world record for running the most consecutive marathons, raising thousands of pounds for injured servicemen.

Mike, 36, of Highworth, was in Ashford, Kent, where he completed his record-breaking marathon in four hours and 13 minutes.

“It’s been challenging, painful and very lonely at times but I am over the moon that I have come this far,” he said.

Mike will not stop there though. He still has 49 marathons left before he finishes his record smashing Heroes 100 challenge on September 23.

“The way I see it is that I will be breaking a world record every time I get on the treadmill from here on in,” he said.

“I have tried not to think about the other 49 marathons I have to do but I set this challenge to be challenging and I don’t want anyone coming along and breaking it straightaway.

“I feel safer knowing it would take a lot of effort for someone to come along and beat 100 marathons in 100 days.”

Mike chose not to celebrate his achievement yesterday, instead waiting until he completes his 100th marathon next month.

One thing he is looking forward to though is seeing his son Ethan for the first time in three weeks this Sunday.

“I have missed him terribly and there have been times when I just wanted to stop and go home to see him. But I am doing this for guys that are away from their families for weeks at a time, many returning having lost limbs and facing months of rehabilitation,” he said.

“When I think of them I know Ethan would understand why I’m not there at the moment and one day, hopefully be proud of what his dad has done.”

Through sponsorship deals, pledges and donations, Mike hopes to raise £30,000. The athlete is returning to Wiltshire on Sunday to complete the next leg of the challenge from Kiwi Barracks in Bulford.

As part of his fundraising efforts, Mike is raffling a Jeep Patriot through sponsors Chrysler.

To enter the raffle text the word Jeep to 60777. The text will cost £5, which will be donated to Help For Heroes, plus the standard network charge.

Visit Mike’s Facebook page, Mike Buss Beyond Impossible.