An Irvine fitness instructor has come seventh in the world in one of the toughest endurance races on the planet.

Scott Brown covered an incredible 80 miles over 24 hours in the World’s Toughest Mudder in Altlanta, America this weekend.

Despite picking up a shoulder injury half way through the race the former squaddie came in seventh place, out of the 1,200 competitors who took part. Scott’s brother Kevin, 40, flew out to the US to support his younger brother taking up the role as Pit Crew in the freezing cold temperatures through the night.

The World’s Toughest Mudder is a 24-hour aroundthe-clock version of Tough Mudder a nd i s w idely regarded as the hardest endurance race on earth.

Scott set off on his challenge at 5pm UK time on Saturday (November 10) and finished at 5pm on Sunday (November 11).

The 36-year-old started off well and for the first few hours was consistently in the top five. However after suffering a torn muscle in his bicep and shoulder in the seventh hour he dropped to 20th place and picked penalty points along they way.

Speaking after the race, Scott said: “I finished seventh overall and top in the European category.

“Officially I did 80 miles but I actually covered 90 but I was hit with penalties after tear ing a muscle in the seventh hour.”

But the dad-of-thr ee managed to claw it back and got himself back into the top ten, finally finishing seventh.

He said: “I pushed through the agonising pain and learnt how to race with only one hand but breathing was difficult too.

“I had to work harder than I’ve ever worked before. “I got help from some of the guys who weren’t competing for a place and without their help getting over the walls I wouldn’t have done what I did.

“This has probably been my bravest performance to date dropping out of the top five places into around 20th after my injury and then fighting hard to pick the guys back off over the later hours.

“I just tried to give it my all. I was determined to complete it and I think that if I hadn’t been injured I would have placed in the top five for sure, but these things happen and I can honestly say I done my best.”

Brother Kevin added: “I’ve never seen anything like that in any event and unlikely I will again. “I am hugely proud of my brother for what he done out here.

“Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) is still a growing sport in the world but to know what Scott has done for Scottish and UK OCR scene over the years is insane and he does not get anywhere near the recognition that I feel he deserves.

“He is remarkable.”