A 38-year-old man who committed himself to a year-long charity pledge to run a minimum of 10 kilometres a day for a year has passed the halfway point.

Lee Allen, who grew up on the Island and lives in Queenborough, started running on New Year’s Eve to raise money for Kent Sports Trust (KST).

He’s now well on his way to keeping his promise – but he has also decided to increase his challenge to 478 days.

Lee upped his game after being awarded a place in next year’s London Marathon on April 22, which marks the last day.

He already had a place in the Brighton Marathon, which takes place just a week beforehand.

Lee, who has been joined in some of his morning, lunchtime and evening runs by a range of supporters – including his wife Nicola, KST’s chief executive Steve Wolfe and Ben Rogers, who did a similar challenge last year by running a marathon every day for a year – reached the original halfway point on Saturday, July 1.

The procurement specialist for Snodland-based South East Water has set up a lunchtime running club for his colleagues and many now regularly get away from their desks to clock up their own miles.

Lee said: “At day 200 I clocked up my 372nd run, totalling 2,590 kilometres, which is 1,610 miles.

“I want to inspire people in the same way this running bug helped turn my life around, helping me to lose weight. I’ve lost 40lb in all.

“We can all make positive steps to get fitter, physically and mentally, through sport, and that’s a passion KST and I share.”

He added: “This is not just a personal challenge. It’s also given me the chance to raise money and awareness for Kent Sports Trust, which helps families participate in sport, creates positive health outcomes and provides opportunities for Kent to connect through sport.”

Lee, who has so far raised £2,787, said: “We hope to invest the money raised into a variety of things such as sport equipment for schools and local clubs.”

To sponsor Lee, click here.