Shropshire runner trains for marathon charity task
A lorry driver from Shropshire is in training for three endurance races for charity, covering a total of 208 miles over six weeks.
James Dowdall from Wellington is running the London Marathon on 17 April.
Three weeks later he will tackle the Housman Hundred in South Shropshire and finally the 82-mile Malvern Hills Ultra on 7 May.
He is raising money for Severn Hospice and Help for Heroes.
The 31-year-old took up running a few years ago.
He said: "During the week I usually stick to a 10-mile circuit and then at the weekend I either compete or do anything up to an 18 or 20-mile run."
Although two of the races involve distances of 100 and 82 miles, it is the London Marathon he thinks will be the hardest. "I tend to go off quite quickly in marathons and don't leave myself enough at the end."
Mr Dowdall has been running competitively for three years, often for a designated charity.
He said: "This time it's going to be my choice of charities. I've chosen a local charity, Severn Hospice and Help for Heroes because they do a fantastic job."