A MARATHON-man from Llandrindod Wells has joined an exclusive band of distance runners, after completing his latest race over 3,000 miles from home, in the United States of America.

Justin Baird-Murray, managing director of the Metropole Hotel and Spa in Llandrindod Wells, completed the Boston Marathon in three hours, 23 minutes.

This latest accomplishment means that he has gained the ’Abbots World Marathon Majors’ medal, having successfully competed in the six key international or ‘major marathons’ of Tokyo, London, New York, Berlin, Chicago and Boston.

The medal is one of the most sought-after in the running world, and is designed to honour non-professional runners’ achievements.

Justin, along with his wife Judy, has raced in a variety of events to raise money for cancer research charities. After the Boston Marathon, which is reportedly the world’s oldest annual marathon event, the couple have now raised more than £10,000 for Pancreatic Cancer Research UK.

“Running the ‘six majors’ has been a wonderful experience, as well as a challenging one,” said Mr Baird-Murray.

“ It has been fascinating to absorb the atmosphere in each city, and each of the events has been totally individual. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves running.”