A super-fit pensioner has completed his 50th marathon – all of them powered by downing Guinness as he runs.
Sprightly Tom Scriven, 83, has jogged over 1,000 miles in 30 years – all fuelled by the black stuff.
Tom, of Axminster, Devon, started running when he was in his 50s to lose weight and has recently completed his half century of marathons.
During each fun run he carries Guinness in a bottle or a special hip flask and sips it as he strides along.
Grandfather-of-six Tom says the famous drink gives him the the ‘mental focus’ he needs to keep going on the gruelling 26 mile courses.
Tom, who is originally from Ireland, said: ‘I’ll always have a pint or two of Guinness during the race. I drink water to stay hydrated and the black stuff for mental purposes.
“It doesn’t make me feel drunk – that would defeat the purpose, as it’s hard enough running.
“I think it really is down to making me feel better. It certainly doesn’t do any harm.
“You can’t run with the cans because they froth up. At one point I had a can in my haversack and it exploded.”
The dad-of-four has completed dozens of marathons and also a number of 50 mile sponsored runs and walks.
During his most recent run he raised money for charity by jogging continually – for 24 hours.
He has dubbed the energy and focus Guinness gives him as “Vitamin G”
Tom said: ”It was a bit tough. I was drinking my Vitamin G to keep my strength up.
“Staying active keeps you ahead of the ageing game and 60 nowadays is looked on as the new 40, so therefore why can’t 80 be the new 60.”
Researchers have found that “antioxidant compounds” in Guinness, similar to those found in certain fruits and vegetables, can have health benefits.
The compounds slow down the deposit of harmful cholesterol on the artery walls.
