Jack Pitcher, 30, has apparently decided that running across Australia wasn't enough of a hassle, so he went and broke the world record for the fastest crossing of Iceland by foot. Because nothing says 'fun' like volcanic rock and wind that hates you.

Pitcher, from Bracknell, Berkshire, tackled Iceland's Route 1 starting June 29, finishing the 460-mile (740km) journey in seven days, nine hours, and four minutes. He was supported by a three-man team, because even record-breakers need someone to hand them snacks and bandages.

The terrain, he noted, offered 'four seasons in a day' and was hillier and more challenging than his previous feat - running 2,684 miles (4,320km) across Australia in December 2024, which had apparently set the best British time for that particular brand of suffering.

Injuries, including the ever-glamorous chafing, nearly derailed the attempt in the first few days. But Pitcher, 'riddled' with issues, pushed through, because resting is for people who haven't already proven they can run across a continent.

He undertook the challenge to raise money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, after a friend's experience showed him the importance of their work. Pitcher, a motivational speaker, also wanted to prove that even after completing mammoth challenges, you can still 'grind' through and 'have an adventurous life.' Translation: his idea of a vacation is a marathon on hard mode.

After his team fell behind schedule, Pitcher covered about 88 miles (140km) on the final day, which sounds less like a sprint and more like a human sacrifice to the gods of endurance.

Now, he plans to take a couple of months off running to 'enjoy my calories and rest' - a radical concept - before possibly dreaming up another adventure. Because apparently, there are still places on Earth he hasn't run across yet.