A nurse has set a world record to become the fastest man to ever complete a marathon dressed as a pint of beer – whilst supporting Ashgate Hospice.  

Joan Pons Laplana, from Chesterfield, was awarded the Guinness World Record after crossing the London Marathon finish line on Sunday.   

The 47-year-old achieved the world record by just over a minute – finishing the 26.2-mile race in 3:58:52, 67 seconds under the target of four hours.  

His partner, Lucy Price, 40, paced him along the route across the capital, helping him smash last year’s time by an hour.  

The couple were running in memory of Lucy’s grandparents, Alice Gidlow and Fred Price, who were cared for by Ashgate at the end of their lives.  

Joan says becoming a Guinness World Record holder was the “proudest moment of his life”.

He added: “My feet are aching, my toes hurt, and I’ve lost several nails, but it doesn’t matter because I am the fastest pint in the world!  

“It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. The conditions were perfect to start with, the weather was fantastic and temperatures were fine.  

“I was very confident and then the sun came out and I was getting hotter; at some point I thought I wasn’t going to make it. 

“But Lucy was pacing me and motivated me to keep on going. In the last 5km I found the energy to go faster than the pace I had planned – it was like I had a new pair of legs! 

“In the end it was a nail-biting finish as I crossed the line with 67 seconds to spare. I did collapse for about five minutes, but I was so happy to be a record holder!” 

He completed the marathon wearing the huge pint costume, which is estimated to weigh around 10kg. 

Joan, who worked as an intensive care nurse during the pandemic, added: “It’s the hardest thing you could imagine doing.  

“Under the costume it gets unbearably hot, your shoulders get heavier and heavier, your arms are trapped, and you cannot run with a full stride. It’s what I imagine running a marathon in a mini-skirt and high heels is like. 

“The support of people along the route cheering me on and hearing children laughing kept me going, especially the people drinking outside the pubs!” 

So far, Joan and Lucy have raised £4,815 towards the hospice, which will help fund care for patients and families across North Derbyshire.  

Over the coming weeks, Joan is hoping to reach the £5,000 target and will be at the Chesterfield 10K on 16th October to thank the people of Chesterfield for their support.  

Natalie Bell, Events Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospice, said: “Completing a marathon is no mean feat for any runner, but to do it whilst dressed as a pint is just remarkable!  

“We’re incredibly proud of Joan for achieving his Guinness World Record and he’s done a wonderful job of representing Ashgate Hospice.  

“Everyone at the hospice is very grateful for his support and we’re looking forward to seeing what challenge he has in store for us next!” 

To make a donation to Joan’s JustGiving page click here.