A Swanscombe man has completed the epic challenge of running 20 marathons in 20 days, raising more than £1,800 for the Kent Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance and Alzheimer's Society.

Dad of four Ian Pullen of Bodle Avenue took on the extreme challenge despite having his training interrupted during lockdown, and ran a series of consecutive marathons from the Cyclopark in Gravesend last month.

Writing in his blog he explained how he had not been confident before starting the run, adding: "the week before I entered one of Phoenix running events but only managed 20 miles which knocked me for six. How on earth was this challenge going to pan out? Well I am pleased to say much better than expected and this experience has changed my life.

"It’s been so uplifting and each day was for someone special - some in memory and some to those who are just awesome."

An officer worker for distribution company Total Sprint, in Sittingbourne , 44-year-old Mr Pullen thanked his employers for their support along with a range of sponsors mentioned on his blog .

He added: "Thank you to everyone that came along to support me. I can’t mention everyone by name because there's simply too many people and I would not want to forget anyone but rest assured the support you gave me was amazing and really did help me. Some cheered on the cycle path and some did a lap or two with me - it was very humbling. Some even came along on odd days and took part and ran half marathons, marathons and ultras. Thank you all so much."

He said his family had also been a great support, in particular wife Louise.

"Every day for 20 days she helped me and in some cases pushed me out the door when I wasn’t feeling it and had every confidence that I would somehow get around another marathon. She taped my blisters up daily, did dinner, and went shopping - the list is endless."

Mr Pullen now has his sights on running 52 marathons in 52 weeks and is getting close to having completed 100 marathons.

To support him, visit his fundraising page at https://tinyurl.com/yxwlp4ly .

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