Twyford father-of-three Justin Malin is aiming to run 496 miles this month to raise money for Launchpad.
The stalwart fundraiser has run one mile on January 1, two miles on January 2, three miles on January 3 and is continuing to run the number of miles on every date right up to running 31 miles on January 31!
He said: I needed a new challenge for 2024!
“It goes without saying that this is going to be very tough. I’ll have to do the majority of the 20 mile and more runs towards the last few weeks of January in the dark to fit around my full time job which will be hard.”
Justin, aged 51, who works for digital software company Valantic FSA took a long time to decide what charity he wanted to raise funds for and decided he wanted to support a smaller, more local charity where the money would make a real difference to people in this area.
“So I decided on Launchpad,” he said.
“I love running and is has helped me both mentally and physically, but I am not a professional and don’t follow any diet or running plan.
“I run because I am lucky that I can, I love it, I put my trainers on and go for it.”
It’s not the first time Justin has completed an epic challenge for charity – in 2022 he ran 52 marathons in 52 weeks for Make a Wish.
But he nearly didn’t complete it after being left with a broken breastbone and bruising after being in a car accident just 36 hours before he was due to make his last run.
He was distraught at not being able to complete the challenge, so 12 days later and just three days before the end of the 52 weeks, he decided to complete the runs, supported by his family, and painkillers!
Fiona Keyte, fundraising manager at Launchpad said: “We are in awe at Justin’s determination – 52 marathons in 52 weeks in 2022 and now the mammoth task of clocking up 496 miles of running in January alone!
“Justin’s taking on this epic challenge to raise funds for Launchpad and we’re hugely grateful. As a small charity every penny raised goes towards supporting people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in the local area.
“If you fancy pushing yourself this year (perhaps not to this extent!), whilst also raising money for a great cause, do get in touch with our fundraising team and we can help you come up with a challenge to suit you.
“If you are able to show your support for Justin and for Launchpad, please donate on his JustGiving page.”