Weymouth: Clown runner breaks record for fastest marathon

And donning a wig, a job lot of face paint and a ridiculous outfit while she slogged her way around the 26.2 mile course was certainly worth the effort.

Mum-of-three Jo, 51, was delighted to succeed in achieving the Guinness World Record for Fastest Marathon Dressed as a Clown (female).

She said: "I've been running for about 10 years and have done quite a few marathons but this was my first London Marathon. 

"I've always had my eye on getting a world record for running. I saw there was an opportunity for the clown record so I applied to Guinness World Records to do it.

"This was a personal challenge for me, a real bucket list item."

Making sure she kept within the stringent rules required for the world record, Jo had to send a photo of her zany costume ahead of the race and ensure it matched her costume exactly as she crossed the finish line on Sunday. 

"I had to be very careful to make sure my wig didn't blow off!" she said.

"My partner Paul Robinson was very good and helped me with my face paint on the Sunday morning. 

"I was lucky the costume wasn't too restrictive for running and I felt great all the way through.

"They did a costume check on me at the end of the race and I was so pleased to learn I had the world record."

Jo Bridle out of her clown costume (Image: Supplied)

Jo, a payroll administrator for a large retail company, completed the London Marathon in 4hrs and 16mins.

In all, there were 90 attempts from runners to break world records and Jo's attempt as the only female clown going for the record was one of 30 world records achieved at the race. 

She said: "I found it to be a really fun thing to do when running such an iconic epic race.

"There were so many people out there supporting people and my costume seemed to make people smile. 

"There were children shouting 'that's a clown' and people wanting to take selfies with me. It was like nothing else. People were so encouraging."

Jo said she wishes to thank her partner Paul and her running club Dorset Sole Sisters for their support. 

Although Jo received a dummy certificate from Guinness World Records after she completed the marathon, she is waiting for the real thing to arrive and plans to frame it and give it pride of place in her home. 

"I will also be in the Guinness Book of World Records which comes out in September," she said. 

"It's certainly something that my grown-up children like telling people!

"I hope my story brings a little joy to the readers and inspires them to try something new and unusual too."