Property developers Paul Henry and David Braddon are off to run a marathon in Italy on Sunday.

The pair, both 28, who own Esquire Developments in Longfield, are taking part in the Maratona di Roma in aid of EllenorLions Hospices.

Mr Henry, of Biddenden Way, Istead Rise, explained the choice to run this race was a strategic one.

He said: "We just thought we know London pretty well and as we don’t know Rome it will keep us going because we’ll be seeing different sights.

"Generally if we got to Tower Bridge, we’d know the distance to Westminster Abbey but in Rome we’ll have no idea. There will be no point of reference, so it won’t play on our minds.”

The former Gravesend Grammar School pupil said: "I think we’ll hit the wall, no doubt about it.

"Our mates have done it in the London Marathon and one of our sponsors on our page has put ‘it’s okay to cry after a certain distance’.

"We’re going to take gels with us and packets of Haribo and jelly babies to keep us going while we’re running."

The father-of-two said they will be cheered on by their partners in Rome and may even squeeze in a little time to have a holiday in the city.

He said: "My wife and David’s fiancee are going to be coming out with us and we’re leaving the kids at home. We might as well enjoy the city while we’re out there."

They want to raise £3,000 for EllenorLions.

Mr Henry said: "We picked it because it’s a local charity and it’s one to close to home. My grandad was treated there and we know a few family friends who were there too."