Marathon man aims for 7-Up (From Barry And District News)

Marathon man aims for 7-Up

A VALE bobby who claims he knows nothing about running is set to undertake the ultimate challenge - SEVEN marathons in SEVEN days!

Johnny Johnson, aged 36, has taken up running in big way after competing in last year's Paris and Cardiff marathons. And since then, the father of eight-year-old Beth and Jake, aged ten, has run five more.

"I know it sounds crazy, and a few weeks ago I began to question my own sanity," said Johnny.

"But I am determined to run seven marathons in one week. I've told everyone I'm doing it, I've booked my week off work, I've started serious training and I'm actually looking forward to it now."

Johnny's best time is three hours and 17 minutes, but he insists he's no running expert.

"I just pull on my gear and take off like Forrest Gump," he admits.

Johnny, who is based at Penarth police station, is aiming to use his seven marathons to raise money for the Barnardo's Cymru charity. His gruelling challenge starts on Monday, October 3, and ends six days later at the Millennium Stadium finish line of the Cardiff Marathon, with Johnny hoping to have completed more than 183 miles in a week.

Johnny plans to run the Cardiff Marathon course for each of the first four days, with the support of police community constable colleagues John Richards and Russell Jones, who will cycle along with him.

On the fifth day he will have a change of scene, covering 26.2 miles around Penarth, Dinas Powys and Barry, before returning to the Cardiff Marathon route on the Saturday.

And on Sunday, October 9, he will line up alongside up to 6,000 other runners for the official Cardiff Marathon and Half Marathon to finish off his long and arduous week.

"I know it's going to be tough," he said.