4 minutes. That's how long it took Roger Bannister to run the mile in 1954. I've got 25.2 miles further, and it will take me more like 4 hours, but the 4 minutes is relevant: that's roughly how long my £1800 target will keep the British Red Cross going.

Having just turned 40, and completed a half marathon in a decent time, I reckoned that I need a challenge, and I have to do a marathon at some point. If you're going to run one, then it might as well be the best, so here I am. The training hasn't been accompanied by any significant change in eating & drinking habits, so I am fit, fat and forty, but that may have to change. Follow my progress on my blog.

Please donate what you can. If you are in SA or elsewhere and can't get your credit card to work, then let me know, and we can make a plan, as they say round here.

Finally, if you want to offer me an incentive, then please do - maybe an extra tenner if I get round in less than 4 hours?

Many thanks.

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