Athletes from all over Britain are disappointed that, due to the Covid 19 lockdown, this year’s Long Course Weekend has, understandably, been cancelled. They look forward to taking part in this popular sporting event in Pembrokeshire in 2021.

One local entrant for the Sunday 26.2 mile run has decided to run the course anyway and, at the same time, raise some funds for a cause close to his heart, Muscular Dystrophy UK.

James Day, 31, of Tudor Way, Tenby, will be undertaking the run on Sunday, July 5, and following the official route, which he has run three times in the past, along with taking part in the Newport Marathon twice, the Cardiff Half twice and the Llanelli Half.

A JustGiving page has been set up and James has already received substantial donations for the charity, along with the purchase of tickets for the raffle which is running alongside the event. Many local businesses and individuals have kindly donated wonderful prizes for the raffle. Some of these are meal vouchers for The Boar’s Head, The Billycan, Brewery Inn, Cosheston, a blow dry at Harley’s Hair at Norfolk Cottage, a facial at Harley-Kates Hair and Beauty, Pembroke, a Geraldine Pugh massage, decorative frames, handmade by Lauren Bradbury, Lollies Traditional Sweet Shop voucher, a Welsh Bakery voucher, one week of home delivered milk from Mathias Dairies, home made cupcakes by Melanie Hughes, scrunchie and hairband set by Katie Macro, £20 meat voucher for Albert Rees, courtesy of Rachel Rees, tickets for Folly Farm. The list goes on and on and the generosity of so many traders and friends is very gratefully appreciated.

James will be delighted to see supporters along the route, based on a starting time of 10 am. Last year he completed the LCW 26.2 mile marathon in 4 hours 30 minutes. The route is Tenby to Pembroke via The Ridgeway, back to Tenby via Freshwater East and the dreaded Norchard Hill. He would also be tremendously grateful for sponsorship on his JG page in order to be able to donate a sizeable sum to Muscular Dystrophy UK. Please visit James’ JustGiving page if you feel able to contribute.