Barman Kevin Carr beats round-the-world running World Record

A barman who took on the record-breaking challenge of running around the world has succeeded after 19 months.

Kevin Carr, who set off from Devon in July 2013, was run over twice and chased by a bear on the 16,000-mile route.

He crossed deserts, Arctic climes and high altitude mountains on the journey, wearing down 16 pairs of trainers.

For most of the journey he had to carry his food, water and camping equipment in a cart.

Mr Carr, 34, said he attempted the Forrest Gump-style challenge to raise funds for mental health charity Sane.

Last country-on the world run, Wales! Around the Mountains or over? Easy choice! #feetintheclouds #hwr #runwithsean pic.twitter.com/nvIjtprQzj

— Kevin Carr (@hardwayround) April 2, 2015

After the run he told the BBC: “It’s been an incredibly huge strain these last few weeks to get here in time to do the record. It was never meant to come down to this much of a nail-biter.

“I had numerous setbacks. I broke the record by less than one day. I’m overwhelmed. It was an amazing finish, the support and turnout was incredible.”

A set of firecrackers turned out to be his most useful piece of kit when he was stalked by a hungry bear in Canada.

He said: “One of the bears stalked me, then came for me. I used the bear bangers someone gave me and, after three misfires, my fourth attempt sent the bear packing.”

Although Mr Carr beat the world record – held by Tom Denniss of Australia – by 24 hours, it is yet to be ratified by the World Running Association.