Cambridge runner breaks Guinness World Record after heart surgery
A runner who had open heart surgery has broken a Guinness World Record.Alex Hunt, from Cambridge, ran the Stevenage marathon in three hours and six minutes.The publishers of the famous record book have confirmed that Mr Hunt has completed the marathon in the fastest-ever time for a person with an artificial heart valve.He beat the previous record by 45 minutes.
Alex Hunt, who is 37, had a bicuspid aortic valve put in his heart.The aortic valve allows blood to flow into the aorta without flowing back into the ventricle, but Mr Hunt's valve had only two flaps instead of the usual three.If left untreated, the condition could lead to heart failure.Worried that he might not have lived long enough to see his daughters grow up, he underwent open heart surgery three years ago at Royal Papworth Hospital to have an artificial valve fitted.
He ran the Stevenage Marathon three years ago and said it was one of the toughest physical challenges he had ever taken on, with winds of up to 40 mph and some "soul-destroying climbs".After waiting for verification, he has now received official confirmation that he holds the world record.He said: "Before the operation, I was a keen runner."Thanks to the amazing staff and treatment I received at Royal Papworth Hospital, I can return to my love of running and am delighted to have broken the world record at the same time."
Steven Tsui, a consultant in cardiothoracic surgery at Papworth, said: "Alex breaking the world record is testament to his strength and determination to get back on his feet after a major operation."Mr Hunt raised more than £1,700 for the Royal Papworth Charity by running the marathon.
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