She said she hoped her challenge had shown the importance of a sense of community and connecting with others.

Patterson, a member of Hadley Runners Club, beat the previous record of six days, five hours and 43 minutes.

She said she was supported by a team of friends and family along the trek, which saw her survive on just 90 minutes of sleep each night.

"The sleep deprivation is intense," she admitted.

"I actually turn my brain off, because that's the only way you're going to get through miles and miles of repetitive stuff."

She said she was also kept going by meeting people along the route, who would show her support and sometimes give her an ice lolly.

"It was a huge boost to see those people and to make those connections, so I really enjoyed it," Patterson said.

She said she now plans to take some time off, do some park runs and "go back to getting beat by small children and pensioners".