A Letchworth marathon maestro who has raised more than £30,000 for charity chalked up his 100th determined distance run on Sunday.

Richard Kell is a fully jogged-up member of the 100-club after securing a fourth place finish in the James Bond -inspired Shaken not Stirred marathon in Milton Keynes and receiving a coveted vest marking the milestone.

His journey since he started running six years ago has seen him complete 73 marathons, 24 ultra marathons and three 100-milers in aid of Help for Heroes – a charity which supports men and women serving in the Armed Forces.

As well as the official races, Richard has clocked up more than a thousand miles of solo challenges, including a 300-mile run from Peckham to Lands’ End – inspired by Only Fools and Horses – which saw him dressed as Batman pushing a dummy Robin Reliant car.

He also completed a 200-mile Gavin and Stacey run from Billericay to Barry Island and a soapathon challenge between the sets of Eastenders, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks.

Richard said: “I’ve never really considered myself a runner but maybe I’ll have to start.

“I’m not even sure I actually enjoy running, but I do love the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that it gives you.

“And it helps keep the beer-belly in check! I’m delighted that so far I’ve raised well over £30,000 for Help for Heroes, a truly fantastic charity that does so much good work for the blokes and lasses who have sacrificed so much for our county.

“There’s no stopping me now, I have just six days to recover and get ready for my next 100-mile race. Time for a beer or two first though.”