A MAN from Buntingford who ran barefoot has raised £3,500 for the National Osteoporosis Society. Stephen Ruff, 50, of Hare Street, completed the course in 6hr 40 min, which was better than he expected, as his aim was seven hours. Mr Ruff, who spends a lot

A MAN from Buntingford who ran barefoot has raised £3,500 for the National Osteoporosis Society.

Stephen Ruff, 50, of Hare Street, completed the course in 6hr 40 min, which was better than he expected, as his aim was seven hours.

Mr Ruff, who spends a lot of his time barefoot, said his feet felt a little tender.

"The road surfaces in places were bad, so I tried to walk on pavements as much as possible. The little bit of light rain was good because it softened the tarmac, and it cooled me down," he said.

"However, between 17-20 miles I got really sluggish and thought I wouldn't be able to do it. But a mile later I felt so much better and then I ran the last 300 yards."

At the finish line he said there was a "wonderful atmosphere" and "lots of encouragement from the crowd".

In May, Mr Ruff will be doing a 14-mile rogation walk, but has no plans for another marathon next year.

"I did enjoy it and it was a wonderful day. Anyone half-thinking about doing it should go for it. There's a wonderful carnival atmosphere," he said.