A GRANDFATHER who set himself a personal challenge to run four marathons in four countries in just Four weeks completed his final 26 miles on Monday. David Bowker, 48, of Garden Close, Royston, finished the final stint in Dublin, cheered on by his wife Ch

A GRANDFATHER who set himself a personal challenge to run four marathons in four countries in just Four weeks completed his final 26 miles on Monday.

David Bowker, 48, of Garden Close, Royston, finished the final stint in Dublin, cheered on by his wife Christine.

She supported him throughout the four marathons, which also took him to Loch Ness in Scotland, Beachy Head near Eastbourne on Saturday, and Snowdonia in Wales on Sunday.

Royston Runner David said: "They went very well. The weather was very kind and ideal for running, and I ran a lot quicker during each marathon and beat my time."

Beachy Head which is renowned as being the toughest off-road marathon, was David's favourite race, and took him just four hours and four minutes.

"It was the best marathon because it was off-road and scenic," he said.

David spent about seven months training for the marathons, and ran up to 100 miles a week in preparation.

"I have always pushed myself and have liked a challenge - but I'm not going to do any more marathons. I have been there and done that," he said.

Instead, I'm going to turn my attention to track racing. It's very competitive, more fun, and you can complete a mile in just five-10 minutes."

David raised £1,500 for the BBC Children in Need appeal, a charity which his employer, Baxter Storey in Melbourn, has been supporting.

David said he was grateful to his fellow Royston Runners, his employers, and Tony Dadd, of Colworth Striders, who sponsored him for £750, and his early morning training partner Robson, who ran with him at 4.30am every morning.

David is hoping to get into the Guinness Book of Records, but has yet to find out.