A New Forest mum who ran 60 marathons in 60 days covering 1,572 miles - the equivalent of running from Southampton to Paris and back twice - has become a world record holder.

Alice Burch, from Woodlands, who fought against the constant ache of her body and the mental torture of completing the challenge throughout October and November last year has officially been named the Guinness World Record holder for the women’s ‘most consecutive days to run a marathon’.

The 35-year-old mum battled through blood, sweat and tears and raised more than £6,000 for the animal charity Spana, which she was inspired to fundraise for after the death of a close friend in 2014.

To mark being officially awarded the title Alice held a celebratory track night at Southampton Athletic Club.

The event was attended by around 75 guests as well as coaches, from various Hampshire sport groups, who held a number of training sessions for budding athletes - including speed and hill sessions.

“A very big thank you from the 60:60 team to everyone that came along to the track night, which even with the weather we had a great turnout,” she said.

“Although I didn’t run, it was a joy to see many local clubs join together for mutual training as well as completely new runners.”

Running gives you a sense of freedom and reflective silence to clarify your mind.” she said.

“It doesn’t matter about speed, unless it’s a particular goal within a race of course, but the motions of breathing and moving in the fresh air and getting that metronome rhythm going.

"You know it’s a good run when you can switch off and let your mind drift.”

She added a endurance challenge like this one really tested your overall ability, psyche, strength and resilience.

“We are capable of much more than we think, it is a state of mind,” Alice said.

“My 60:60 anniversary was to celebrate sport, fitness and individual achievement. I see myself as a normal village girl so delighted I succeeded with a very big challenge, especially being a mum too.”