Ashford AC long-distance walker Jonathan Hobbs has fulfilled a lifelong ambition.

He achieved his dream to race-walk 100 miles in less than 24 hours to win the National Championships in Middlesbrough.

Almost 20 years since joining Ashford AC and, after eight months’ targeted training, he completed the race in 18hr44min, despite dreadful conditions.

His time is thought to be the fastest in the world this year and is the second-fastest by a British walker this century.

Hobbs, who is studying maths at the University of Kent, finished more than an hour clear of the runner-up and was three hours ahead of the next Englishman.

“I actually enjoyed the first 40 miles and at halfway I was less than five minutes off my ambitious plan,” he said.

“We were then hit by two hours of driving, depressing, dreadful rain which used up most of my energy reserves.

“After that, it was a long, dark night and when dawn finally cracked I was just determined to get to the end.

“The finish was emotional and I had the chance to thank my dad (his coach) for his support throughout the race.”

Hobbs kept up his energy with sports drinks and gels, plus a bowl of sausages and beans, a bowl of tuna and mashed potato and some soup.