The 2016 addition of the famous book is just out and Ian’s London exploits are featured among the other record breakers.

Prestwick man Ian ran the famous course in April dressed as a monk - complete with habit, cross and bald “wig” - and clocked an impressive time of 3hr 44min, to grab the official world record for a runner in that costume.

But it’s not the first time Ian, 39, has landed a place in the record books.

He previously held the record for fastest London marathon dressed as a literary character - Sherlock Holmes in 2010 - and narrowly missed out on the fastest time by a computer game character - Luigi from Super Mario - a couple of years ago.

His exploits have even seen a Facebook page set up in his honour, demanding that the ‘fastest monk’ should be asked to switch on the Christmas Lights in Ayr. It has attracted almost 550 likes.

Ian trains with Ayr Seaforth Athletics Club and ran his first marathon in 2003.

In all, he has completed the gruelling 26.2-mile distance 16 times, including doing the London race nine times.

Along the way he has raised thousands of pounds for good causes, including Cancer Research and a premature babies charity.

He said: “The training is hard work and I found my very first marathon tough, particularly getting towards the end, but there’s a real sense of achievement when you finish.” Last weekend Ian and his wife Fiona travelled to Berlin for his first non-UK marathon where he finished in 3:44 before celebrating with a bratwurst and a beer!

His next target is the Paris marathon in April 2016.

Ian and Fiona have 11-year-old twins Mark and Jamie who are both proving to be just as sporty as their dad.

Both boys, pupils at Kingcase Primary, are keen tennis players and have won titles across central Scotland.

And earlier this year, while Ian was doing the Liverpool marathon, the boys competed in a one-mile fun run with both finishing in the top 10.

Ian said: “I’m very proud of them. I’m sure they will follow in my footsteps and take on a marathon one day.”