‘Don’t doubt my feet,’ says record book Runningman

More than three years after he finished an epic journey across six continents, Briton Robert Garside has been officially recognised as the first person to run around the world.

Garside, aged 40, who called himself the Runningman during his quest, yesterday received the Guinness World Records seal of approval for his 30,000-mile (48,000-km) six-year trek.

“I’m really happy about this; this run cost me everything,” said the former London policeman, who was jailed in China, shot at in Russia and chased by armed men in Mexico and Panama during his mega jog, which ended in New Delhi, in 2003.

The Guinness verdict was a major vindication for Garside, who has been dogged by accusations of cheating by endurance runners sceptical of his claim to have run through jungles and across deserts with no support team.

Garside kept meticulous records, including eyewitness statements and 300 hours of video footage, which Guinness used to authenticate his run.

“It all finally paid off and I’ll be running over to Guinness tomorrow to collect my certificate,” he said.