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Bananaman breaks marathon record Bananaman breaks marathon record
(about 11 hours later)
A man who took part in the London marathon dressed as Bananaman has set a new record for the fastest runner dressed as a cartoon character.A man who took part in the London marathon dressed as Bananaman has set a new record for the fastest runner dressed as a cartoon character.
Darren Stone, 22, from Taunton, Somerset, took three hours, 36 minutes and seven seconds to complete the race.Darren Stone, 22, from Taunton, Somerset, took three hours, 36 minutes and seven seconds to complete the race.
"You go through moments when you slow up and other runners tap you on the back and say 'come on Bananaman you can do it' - it's unreal," he said."You go through moments when you slow up and other runners tap you on the back and say 'come on Bananaman you can do it' - it's unreal," he said.
Mr Stone's achievement has been confirmed by Guinness World Records.Mr Stone's achievement has been confirmed by Guinness World Records.
"I checked on the internet because I wasn't sure how the other cartoon characters had done," he said."I checked on the internet because I wasn't sure how the other cartoon characters had done," he said.
"I scouted out before that Danger Mouse would be my main competitor but I have heard that I've got the record," he added."I scouted out before that Danger Mouse would be my main competitor but I have heard that I've got the record," he added.
'World of pain' Darren Stone completed the marathon in three hours, 36 minutes and seven seconds
Mr Stone, who runs a cafe in Taunton town centre, said he chose to run as a cartoon character because his business is next door to a fancy dress hire shop.Mr Stone, who runs a cafe in Taunton town centre, said he chose to run as a cartoon character because his business is next door to a fancy dress hire shop.
"They wanted me to run as Buzz Lightyear but the costume was too heavy," said Mr Stone."They wanted me to run as Buzz Lightyear but the costume was too heavy," said Mr Stone.
"It was so hot that once I started sweating the suit just doubled in weight anyway," he said."It was so hot that once I started sweating the suit just doubled in weight anyway," he said.
"I'm in a world of pain now but finishing was the best feeling I've ever had."I'm in a world of pain now but finishing was the best feeling I've ever had.
Mr Stone, a semi-professional footballer, has raised £1,400 for the St Margaret's Hospice in Taunton but hopes to reach his goal of £2,000.Mr Stone, a semi-professional footballer, has raised £1,400 for the St Margaret's Hospice in Taunton but hopes to reach his goal of £2,000.