A MARATHON man has set himself an eye-watering challenge to run 100 marathons by the end of the decade.

Bernard Genge, 52, from Chard, ran his 50th marathon in Taunton on Sunday and will now go to London for his 51st long-distance run on Sunday (April 13).

He is hoping to run the course in about three hours and 30 minutes, raising money for the St Mary’s Church roof fund.

Bernard, who is running the London Marathon for the seventh time, said: “Training is going well and I am looking forward to it because the atmosphere is always amazing.

“Last year, after the Boston Marathon explosion, all the runners were really friendly, hugging each other.

“People cheer your name as you run past, which make you feel like a top-class athlete.”

Bernard’s latest marathon challenges are part of an attempt to run 100 marathons before the end of 2020.

He said: “When I ran Taunton Marathon in two hours and 56 minutes in 2011 I knew that was my best time and I was not going to beat it.

“So I needed a new focus and I want to join the 100 Marathon Club by the end of the decade.”

To sponsor Bernard in the London Marathon make out a cheque payable to St Mary’s Church Building Fund and send/ take it to the church, give it to Bernard or his Mum, Beryl, or Bernard’s daughter has a form at the dental surgery at 21 Leach Road on Chard Business Park. Alternatively, call Bernard on 01460-61459 or 07929-210435.