Have you ever run a marathon? Maybe you've started training or only dreamed of running one. Either way, you know that that 26.2 miles is an incredible feat for anyone to take on.

Now imagine running a marathon after having open heart surgery. If you think it's impossible - think again. Not only did runner, Alex Hunt from Cambridge run a marathon after open heart surgery, but he broke a Guinness World Record.

Alex Hunt Breaks Guinness World Record

Thirty-seven year old Alex Hunt suffered from a congenital heart defect called bicuspid aortic valve. Normally, the aortic valve has three flaps that open and close to regulate blood flow from the heart's left ventricle into the aorta. In bicuspid aortic valve, a person is born with only two flaps instead of three. If untreated, Hunt could have experienced heart failure.

With three daughters, Hunt wanted to make sure he lived a long and healthy life for them, so he underwent open heart surgery at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire, UK.

Just three years later, he ran the Stevenage Marathon in Hertfordshire, UK in an impressive three hours and six minutes, the fastest time for a person with an artificial valve. This beat the previous world record by 45 minutes.

Hunt was a "keen runner" before the surgery but said this was “one of the toughest physical challenges I had ever taken on”, with winds of up to 40mph and "soul-destroying climbs". Still, he powered through and now has the Guinness World Record plaque to put on display.

Life After Surgery

For most people, recovering from open heart surgery means rest, rehabilitation, and getting back to everyday tasks at a slow and steady pace. But for Alex Hunt, recovery meant setting a goal that most people wouldn’t even consider in perfect health — running a marathon.

After his surgery, Hunt didn’t rush into training. In fact, his journey back to running was a gradual one. Like many heart surgery patients, he first had to focus on simply walking around the block, regaining stamina, and adjusting to life with an artificial valve. From there, he built himself back up — slowly increasing his distance and rebuilding his confidence.

His doctors were supportive but cautious, reminding him to listen to his body and prioritize his health. Hunt took their advice seriously, carefully tracking his progress and monitoring his heart health every step of the way. What started as short runs eventually turned into full-blown training for one of the most physically demanding races out there.

Hunt's story is more than a comeback — it’s a powerful reminder that heart surgery doesn’t have to be the end of an active life. With determination, smart training, and the right medical guidance, even the biggest goals can be back on the table.