A VETERAN sprinter broke a world record and set a date for his wedding as he crossed the finishing line.

Fitness instructor Darren Scott, aged 46, from Runcorn, vowed to marry his fiancé if he struck gold.

He won the 200 metre M45 event at the European Masters Indoor Athletics Championship in Poland at the weekend 22.52 seconds, knocking .05 seconds off the record set by legendary USA sprinter Bill Collins in 1999.

There was double joy as he also picked up gold as Great Britain stormed home to take the 4 x 200 metre relay.

Dad-of-two Darren, from Weston Point, said: “I told my partner if I break the world record, we’re getting married.

“That’s what happened. The wedding’s set for June 6. It’s the next big event.”

Darren and his 28-year-old fiancé, Rebecca Marples have a son and daughter, Franky, aged three, and Laylah, aged six.

Darren only took up athletics when he was 21 and quickly became a top class 200 metre sprinter.

When he turned 35, he became eligible to enter masters’ competitions and took the world by storm.

He currently holds an astonishing 47 club, UK, British, European and World titles.

He has been unbeaten in his event since 2006.

Darren, who works at the Heath Leisure Suite in Runcorn, said: “Breaking the world record was a fantastic, overwhelming feeling.

“Rebecca was in the stand screaming her head off with butterflies in her stomach.

“I knew I was in shape. Six weeks ago in Birmingham, I came within 0.01 seconds of breaking it.”

He said pacing yourself and having structured training is the key to achieving your goal.

Darren added: “Having that perseverance and dedication is crucial.

“As you get older you have to listen to your body.

“I’ve seen a 75-year-old pole vaulting and a 100-year-old competitor taking part at one championship.”

John Lewis, managing director of SOG, and owner and operator of The Heath Business and Technical Park, where Darren works, said: “Darren is an incredible athlete and a credit to Halton and the north west.

“It’s brilliant that he has won more gold medals but taking the world-record is amazing and was a target that Darren had set his heart on.

“Everyone at The Heath is really delighted for him.

“Our gym members are really lucky to have such an inspirational instructor to work out with.”