AN OSWESTRY man taking on his fifth London Marathon is looking to break a world record at this year’s event.

Pete Butler is setting himself the challenge of completing the famous route in a pair of wellies, as he aims to raise funds for mental health charity, Mind.

The 35-year-old is setting his sights on the world record time for completion of the marathon while wearing a pair of wellies, which currently stands at three hours, 21 minutes and 27 seconds.

Despite the change in footwear, Pete has been preparing for the 26.2-mile run as he has done in previous years.

He said: “The current record is three hours 21 minutes and 27 seconds, which I will be aiming to beat.

“I’ve not actually ran in my wellies yet so I’m not sure how it will go – I’ll have to wait and see how it feels on the day.

“I’m a member of the Oswestry Olympians so I tend to do quite a bit of running.

“Training has been a bit up and down, but what’s done is done and I’ll have to see what happens on the day.”

Pete grew up living on a farm, and used this as inspiration when looking for a new challenge to set himself.

“I wanted to set myself a new challenge and raise some money for charity as well,” he said.

“I grew up on a farm and I work for a Wynnstay Farm which I’m still heavily involved with.

“Running in wellies seemed like a logical challenge to set myself really.”

And this year, the Oswestry Olympian runner is looking to raise funds to support Mind after what has been a difficult time for many during the pandemic.

He said: “A family member of mine have been affected by mental health previously, and I know with the pandemic there will be a lot of people who have been struggling.

“I think anything that can be done to support mental health charities and the work they’re doing to highlight the issues and support people is a worthy cause.”