Some run!

LACES fastened and ready for the off, David, left, and Colin

TWO pals are set to run a gruelling four marathons in four days to raise money for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

David Emanuel and Colin Green have set themselves the tough target of running the 109-mile Cleveland Way over 96 hours.

The distance is just over that of four 26-mile marathons, and the pair are working out their game plan to make sure they have the stamina to make it over the finishing line.

Both members of Royton Roadrunners, David (47), of Littleborough and Colin (41), of Greenfield, are race fit and already have a number of marathon successes under their belts.

But the Cleveland Way has far more hills than they are used to as road runners — and the pressure of completing a marathon day after day is bound to take its toll.

The intrepid pair will take the first steps of their challenge on Thursday, and will see them traverse high moorland, tackle steep climbs and endure knee-straining descents.

The route runs from Helmsley to Filey, and David explained: “I am working my way round the 15 national trails of England and Wales.

“This will be my fourth, I do one every year for charity, but I got a bit lonely running alone. I was looking for some company, and Colin offered to run with me.”

The pair are evenly matched, with often just seconds separating their race times. “The secret is we have to forget about racing,” said David.

“We have to run thinking about conserving energy to make sure we can get up and do it day after day.

“There are an awful lot of ups and downs, some of them very steep, particularly when the path runs on the cliffs by the coast towards the end.”

The highest point of the route is 1,500 feet, and ends at sea level.

Looking forward to reaching the end, David said: “I expect we will dive into the sea.”

The Co-op store in Royton is supporting the cause, and David’s employers, Santander, have agreed to match the money raised through sponsorship.

You can sponsor them at www.justgiving.com/clevelandwaychallenge.