A WOMAN ran a half-marathon distance (13.1 miles) each day for 111 consecutive days during the Covid-19 lockdown to earn herself an official Guinness World Record (GWR).

Helen Ryvar, from Llay, began running during the lockdown and says she 'quickly got into the swing of it'.

Before long, the 41-year-old was running from the front door of her home and back again daily, with all of her runs taking place within a 15-mile radius of her house.

Helen then checked what the GWR for 'Most Consecutive Days To Run A Half Marathon Distance' for females was and found out that it stood at 75 days at the time.

She then decided to set herself a 'personal goal' of topping that and went on to complete the feat between January 30 and May 20 of this year.

Helen says she had to provide details such as 'witness statements' to the GWR team to prove that she had achieved the record, something which was not all that easy.

By now though, she has received her official GWR certificate and features on their website.

Helen, who also completed the 75-mile Pen Llyn Ultra event in July of this year, said: "During Lockdown I started to run every day. I soon built up good stamina and was running 10 or so miles easily.

"I then started to run a half marathon distance every day to keep my fitness levels up during the pandemic. And I just kept going and going, that's when I realised I could attempt something big here.

"111 days later I had ran all over Wrexham and completed 111 consecutive half marathons and surpassed my goal of 101 by 10 days."

Helen, who worked for Daleside Vets during her challenge but now runs her own cleaning business - Sprightly Cleaning Services - was spurred on to smashing the GWR by some tragic and life-changing moments.

She lost her ex-husband who was the father of three children and then her father had to have his leg amputated during the Covid-19 pandemic.

She adds that she hopes her own success can inspire others to follow suit.

Helen, who even ran through the sleet and the snow during the earlier months of the year, said: "I did it for myself, my health, my children, my family, those that don’t believe they can, those that can’t, and those that are no longer with us.

"Running helped keep me in a good place mentally during lockdown and I really got into some podcasts along the way which helped too.

"After the Ultra in July, I've been letting my body rest a bit. I've been doing more swimming than anything else, but still love to run.

"I hope to go for another Guinness World Record next year, but I'm not sure what yet. Watch this space!"