Feilding man breaks US running record

Perry Newburn set the Masters record with a time of 51 days, 16 hours and 40 minutes. Photo/ Glenn Taylor

A Feilding man has claimed a new record as the fastest Masters runner to traverse the United States coast-to-coast.

Perry Newburn, 60, reached Los Angeles last night (yesterday afternoon NZT) after setting out from the steps of New York City Hall on September 1.

He described the run as "awesome".

"To finish last night in the time [I did] I think was absolutely great. I loved every minute of it."

"The event created all the highs, all the lows, everything in between.

"At the end of the day, it's about the awesome, awesome people I met and I think if anyone ever had any trouble with humanity all they needed to do is spend a couple of days on the road with me just to see the awesomeness of people."

Newburn set the Masters record with a time of 51 days, 16 hours and 40 minutes, during which he worked his way through six pairs of running shoes.

The previous Masters record stood at 52 days 11 hours and 58 minutes.

The current World Record is held by Frank Giannino Jr, who crossed the US in 1980, in 46 days, 8 hours and 36 min.

"Every day was a highlight," Newman said. "I've seen different country, I was meeting different people - awesome people."

He said he expected the enormity of the run to settle in over the next few days. "The blur's going to open up a bit more again."

He was due to fly back to New Zealand tomorrow and was looking forward to "normal life and getting back to family and what-not".

Newburn also celebrated his 60th birthday during his epic run. "We went out and ran for the day, just did a normal day and then had a meal in the evening."

"I'll probably get to celebrate that a bit [more] when I get home."

Newburn's run raised $3500 for Koru Care and $3000 for the Little Heroes Foundation. He said he expected a commemorative book and an auction for his well-worn running shoes to raise further funds.

He is no stranger to epic runs, having in 2012 circumnavigated New Zealand on foot, running 5000km over 71 days in a bid to raise funds for the Mental Health Foundation and to raise awareness of how exercise can have a positive effect on peoples' health, physically and mentally.

He said he had yet to set his sights on his the next challenge was unclear.

"I might just do some training for a marathon and see what happens. Something will prop up no doubt in the future, it always does."