A ROYSTON Runner hopes to enter the Guinness Book of Records this month when he completes four marathons in four countries, in just four weeks. David Barker, 48, of Garden Close, has set himself the 104-mile-plus challenge to raise money for the Children

A ROYSTON Runner hopes to enter the Guinness Book of Records this month when he completes four marathons in four countries, in just four weeks.

David Barker, 48, of Garden Close, has set himself the 104-mile-plus challenge to raise money for the Children in Need appeal, a charity which his employer, BaxterStorey in Melbourn, has been supporting.

The grandfather-of-five has already completed his first marathon - at Loch Ness in Scotland.

He said: "It was very challenging. I ran it in three hours, 14 minutes - my quickest time yet."

David's final three marathons will take him to Beachy Head near Eastbourne, Snowdonia in Wales, and Dublin, from October 28-30.

He has been running up to 100 miles a week in preparation for the marathons.

Beachey Head is reowned as being the toughest off-road marathon, and Snowdonia is regarded as the toughest road marathon.

David said: "I have always been a keen runner and this is a personal challenge I have set myself.

"I'm hoping it will get into the Guinness Book of Records but I've yet to find out."

David has run the Flora London Marathon and the Colworth Marathon Challenge. However, he says this series of marathons will be his last.

So far he has raised £1,000 for disadvantaged children.

Anyone who would like to sponsor David should e-mail joanne.jarvis@archant.co.uk