FINISHING the London Marathon as world record-breakers was the last thing a father and son from Warrington expected.

But on Sunday Ben Green and dad Graham, from Grappenhall, stumbled across the news they had set a new marker for the fastest marathon run by parent and child.

Ben’s time of 2hrs 35mins 29secs, with dad seven minutes behind, saw them smash a previous record set in Chicago.

The pair are now awaiting verification from Guinness.

“We really didn’t realise until the evening when my friend joked it must be some sort of record,” said Ben, 27.

“I added the times together and realised it was.”

Graham, aged 49, added: “We had absolutely no idea. We couldn’t sit without being in pain on Sunday night so Ben started doing some research.

“We looked at each other, didn’t know what to say and started laughing thinking this can’t be right!”

Former England 800m runner Ben finished 95th in the men’s race, but the Warrington Athletics Club member’s preparation was hampered by a hip injury.

“This was my first marathon,” he added.

“We didn’t set off together, but never intended to as I was hoping to go faster before the injury problems.

“After about 13 miles my hip started hurting so it was an achievement to get to the finish. It was the most horrendous thing I have experienced.”

The Greens almost had three competitors however Graham’s brother Andrew – a former World Cup marathon team bronze medal winner – was forced to pull out through injury.

Ben wants the Warrington trio to race for the club championship title next year, although dad and uncle may take some convincing.

“I’m not taking it too seriously,” said Graham, about becoming a history-maker.

“I was proud of Ben as he went through major pain and at some points thought he wouldn’t finish.

“I started again about four years ago, running first 2hrs 59mins, then 2hrs 47mins and now 2hrs 42mins, but getting older it’s not so easy to keep your body fit to train and race at a good standard.

“I only ran the Wilmslow Half Marathon as preparation for London this year, so I’m looking forward to getting out on the local road race circuit again.”