After months of gruelling training 101-year-old running sensation Buster Martin proved yet again that age is no barrier, by completing the Flora London Marathon in ten hours.
The centenarian, who decided to take on the 26.2 mile challenge to raise money for his favourite children's charity the Rhys Daniels Trust, said afterwards that he would have completed the course much quicker but for his regular beer and fag breaks.
The big day started for Buster at 6.30am at his workplace when work colleagues and friends dropped in to wish him luck before he headed off to the start line at Greenwich.
From the moment Buster - flanked by Gordon Ramsay, Kate Lawler and a troop of Masai warriors - lined up at the start with his two personal trainers and other Pimlico runners, it was clear that he was the star attraction for the thousands who had turned out to cheer the athletes on.
"People were shouting out encouragement to me all the way around," Buster explained later. "Everyone wanted to wish me well and shake my hand, it was really great to receive so much support."
And support he got from the cheering crowds lining the route, as well as his many other supporters from around the world, including New Zealand, Croatia and the United States, who helped him pump more than £20,000 into the coffers of the Rhys Daniels Trust.
The Rhys Daniels Trust will use the money raised by Buster to continue its work of providing home-style accommodation near specialist children's hospitals to families of youngsters receiving long-term life saving treatment.
On finishing his 10 hour charity run the first thing Buster said was ‘where's my beer?' He added: "I would like to thank all the people who have backed my effort, the money I have raised for the Rhys Daniels Trust is going to make a huge difference to the lives of a lot of ill children and their families."
The following day Buster again defied the odds by turning up for work as usual at 7.30am, which is more than can be said for his 31-year-old trainer Samm, who needed two days off work to recover from the run.
Commenting on the controversy over his age, which flared up when Guinness World Records refused to believe his age, 101-year-old Buster, said: "I never set out to break any records, it was Guinness who contacted me about that in the first place. For me it was always about raising money for charity.
"I don't care about any Guinness world record, the only Guinness I'm interested in is one I can drink."
Buster's boss, Pimlico Plumbers Managing Director Charlie Mullins added: "We have documents from the Home Office that prove his age and Buster should have his passport through within the next few weeks so we can settle the issue once and for all.
"But at the end of the day Buster is a remarkable fellow, an inspiration to young and old, and should be recommended for an award."
And having the last word as usual, Buster said: "I would do it all again, because the money I have raised and the friends I have made have made it all worth while."
To raise money for his favorite charity, visit http://www.justgiving.com/bustermartin1