A Fife man is to run his first ever marathon – around the car park next to his house.
Arthur Mitchell, 42, only took up running 10 months ago and had been aiming to complete his first official half marathon in Edinburgh in May.
With that race called off he has set himself an even tougher challenge – which will see him attempt more than 300 laps of the car park.
Arthur, of Glenrothes, was inspired by other runners who have responded to race cancellations by completing the distances at home.
Former Wales rugby captain Ryan Jones completed a marathon in his garden, while Gareth Allen, of Southampton livestreamed his own garden marathon.
Production assistant Arthur is currently at home on furlough and is using his challenge to raise money for NHS Charities Together to help frontline workers in the Covid-19 battle.
He said: “Seeing other people doing this inspired me.
“The most miles I have ever done is a half marathon so this will be tough but it’s for a good cause.
“For all the hard work the NHS staff are doing right now they deserve it.
“It takes about 12 times round the car park to get to a mile so I’ve worked I will have to go round 312 times.
“If I have to take my time that’s okay.”
Arthur hopes to raise around £500 to help NHS workers and has already been supported by friends and family.
He has set up a JustGiving page called Arthur’s marathon around the car park.
NHS Charities Together is funding member NHS charities in supporting the health and emotional wellbeing of NHS staff to they can deliver the best care possible to coronavirus patients.
Help includes wellbeing packs, accommodation, travel, parking and volunteer expenses.
