An avid runner who was due to take part in his 20th London Marathon in a row this weekend has now signed up to a new obstacle instead.

Folkestone man Ray Johnson, 56, will take on the 2.6 mile challenge on Sunday, a 10th of what was expected of him from the marathon.

But to make it a little harder, Mr Johnson will run backwards for the entire distance.

He said: "As the London Marathon has been delayed until October when I shall be doing my 20th in a row, I have decided to sign up to the 2.6 challenge to mark April 26 in a fun way.

"I shall be running 2.6 miles backwards.

"I figured backwards in view of the virus having taken us backwards.

"But soon things will go forwards and get back to normal in the fullness of time."

'I figured backwards in view of the virus having taken us backwards...'

The London Marathon has been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. It is the first time the race has been postponed since its launch in 1981.

Mr Johnson, who works in the insurance sector, said: " Naturally it is disappointing the marathon was postponed but totally the right thing and hopefully will happen in October."

He will attempt his backwards challenge on Sunday along The Leas in Folkestone and hopes to raise £1,000 for Kent Association for the Blind.

Throughout the last 20 years, Mr Johnson has raised £80,000 for the charity.

The chairman of the Folkestone Town Team has carried out no specific training for his backwards run, but thinks he will just fine.

He adds: "I’ve still carried on with my normal training, ie six miles every other day in general.

"On the challenge no training backwards but its only 2.6 miles so think I can handle that as generally before lockdown I’ve been doing lots of half marathon and 15 to 16 milers!"

To support Mr Johnson, visit here.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone