A Teenager has entered the record books by becoming the youngest person to complete a marathon known as the Tough One.

Will Ellinger, 18, was challenged to enter the Three Forts Marathon by his chemistry teacher at Lancing College.

Dr Simon Norris ran the Three Forts half marathon in 2004 and was going to run the race this year, suggesting Will tried his hand at the half marathon.

Will, an experienced cross-country runner and long-distance swimmer, decided to tackled the whole race and finished 128th out of 300 competitors. He completed the course, which runs from Worthing through the Iron Age forts of Cissbury, Devil's Dyke and Chanctonbury, in five-and-a-half hours.

The marathon, organised by rotary clubs in Worthing, Steyning, Storrington and Henfield, includes more than 3,500ft of ascents.

Will's efforts raised £500 for St Peters and St James hospice in Wivelsfield. He said: "As Dr Norris chickened out and only did the half marathon, I may well throw the gauntlet back down to him for 2006."