Adrian keeps on running

Marathon man, Adrian Smith, is gearing up for his next challenge – The Great North Run.

The Bacup-based father-of-three, returned in May from the Middle East where he ran a marathon in aid of families affected by war and persecution in the region.

Now the 56 year old, has decided to embark on yet another run for charity by taking part in the half marathon from Newcastle to South Shields.

The event is the largest half marathon in the world with around 57,000 entrants from 130 countries.

The Principal Planning Officer for Rossendale Council will be running to raise funds for the work of Open Doors, a charity that works to support Christians who have been persecuted for their faith, and provides vital aid to tens of thousands of displaced families in Syria and Iraq.

To gear up for the half marathon he is undertaking weekly circuit training as well as two three mile runs during the week and a longer run at weekends.

“While it keeps me fit my main aim is to raise as much money as possible for these children,” he said.

“Meeting the Syrian refugee children in Lebanon and hearing some of their stories as well as general awareness about what is happening to children in many places such as Africa, India, South America, makes me want to concentrate my fund raising on this.

“Every bit of money makes a difference. Money will go towards things such as trauma counselling in Iraq; running a children’s home in Colombia; feeding and caring for orphans in Nigeria and helping pay for school fees in places like Nepal.”

Also taking part in The Great North Run is running legend Mo Farrar.

“I will be very happy if I could do it in double his time,” added Adrian.

“He will take around 1 hour for the 13 miles, I’m hoping for around 2 hours.”

To support Adrian please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/adrian-smith57