Marc Burton became the first amputee to complete the Pomona King of the Mountain. Brett Wortman

MARC Burton jokes that he's easy to spot in a crowd - he's tall, with a beard, and has only one leg.

The inspirational Nambour athlete was also easy to spot at the Pomona King of the Mountain race, where he crossed the finish line to the cheers of the crowd.

"I'm ecstatic, relieved and very happy," Mr Burton.

"The crowd got right behind me from start to finish and, honestly, kept me going at the end - I had nothing left."

Mr Burton created history - and hopes to have provided inspiration to others - by becoming the first amputee to compete in the gruelling mountain race.

He recorded a personal best of 55 minutes and 10 seconds - more than four minutes better than his previous best. His effort was watched by his proud wife Tania and their children Alissa, 10, and Alex, 5.

"He did really well, he did a personal best, so he's absolutely chuffed," Mrs Burton said.

"I'm absolutely ecstatic; I couldn't be more proud of him."

Mr Burton, 39, lost his leg as a 15-year-old in Brisbane, when he was dragged underneath a truck.

While doctor's worked hard to save the limb, it was so badly damaged that, to keep it, would have meant using a walking stick for the rest of his life. So, as a 16-year-old, he made the decision to have it removed.

Mr Burton has been determined ever since to not let his loss be a hindrance.

"I'd just like to show people that you can do anything if you put your mind to it - about 90% of it is in your brain, just getting off your backside and going out and trying," he said.

"Most of the time, if the mind is willing, the body will follow."