A KEEN runner will be going more than just the extra mile when he takes on five marathons in five days, a distance of 131 miles.

But Mark Quarterly, 41, of Alexandra Road, has only ever completed one half marathon in the past and admits being nervous about the mammoth task.

He will run from Newport to Cardiff and back again each day in aid of Cancer Research, and hopes to raise at least £2,000 for the charity.

Since he began training in February he has already clocked up 600 miles and is now training three to four times a week.

He said: "I know it's going to be harder than I realise, but it's something I have been meaning to do for a long time. It's a goal I have set myself.

"I've practised the route once and it's hard.

"I ran the Cardiff Half Marathon once and will be doing it again this year about two weeks' before my first big one. I have applied to do the London Marathon before but didn't get it

"I know a lot of people who have lost loved ones to cancer. It affects so many people.

"I'm very nervous and I'm certainly looking forward to doing the last one."

Mr Quarterly who was in the RAF for 12 years said he always used to run to try and keep fit and decided he would take on this gruelling challenge at the end of last year after a work friend died suddenly.

He will be running a marathon a day from October 29 to November 2.

Mr Quarterly has been a warehouse operative for paint manufacturer Hempel UK in Cwmbran for the past ten years. He has two children from his first marriage Alicia, 16, and Ryan, 12 and is engaged to Becky Jordan.

He said: "I don't think my children can believe I am going to this but they know it's for a good cause as my daughter's friend's mum recently died of cancer.

"They'll be coming to cheer me on.

"Becky has been such a great help to me, she's been brilliant and I couldn't do it without her. I've been well looked after when I get home from training."

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/markq