ANASTASIA Lincoln just keeps on running.....

When we spoke the 61-year-old was looking forward to completing her 100th marathon - the Plusnet Yorkshire taking in the beautiful sights of York on Sunday (October 9).

For Anastasia pounding the roads and pavements is a pastime she remains so passionate about - and despite reaching her 100th marathon, she intends to keep on running.

"I would like to continue and one year, if possible, I would like to do an ultra - it's 30 miles and over and it's another possibility to aim for."

Anastasia says she has always kept fit. Born to Ukranian parents, her father, Ostap Buriak was a dance teacher and choreographer.

Following in her father's footsteps, Anastasia became involved in dancing, eventually becoming a teacher. "I have been dancing since I can remember. We appeared on TV abroad and in various shows and, of course, I became a teacher," says Anastasia, who taught dancing as part of the school curriculum.

Always one to face a challenge, at the age of 40 she decided to learn to swim and, aged 50, encouraged by her friend, Jean Holmes, Anastasia decided to compete in the local Race for Life to raise funds for the national charity, Cancer Research.

"We did it for Breast Cancer and also my father had cancer so I did it for him as well," recalls Anastasia.

Bitten by the running bug, she and her pal Jean joined Idle AC running club and that's when Anastasia began clocking up the marathons - and raising thousands of pounds for the various charities she has supported over the years.

Macmillan Cancer Support, the Stroke Association, the British Heart Foundation, SeeAbility and Action Medical Research which funds medical research to tackle the diseases affecting children, are just some of the charities to benefit from Anastasia's efforts.

Her latest fundraiser was competing in the Great North Run which took place in Newcastle in September.

Seven years ago, in 2009, Anastasia completed 10 marathons in 10 days in Windermere to raise funds for vulnerable children.

"I loved every single minute of it," she says of the fundraising challenge.

For Anastasia the greatest appeal of running is the satisfaction of knowing her efforts are going a long way to help others through the charities she has supported.

After completing her first run in the Race for Life, she loved the atmosphere. "I felt I was doing it for a really good reason and a really good charity and the atmosphere was phenomenal. I enjoyed every single minute of it.

"I was so emotional at the end and I thought 'this is what I want to do.'"

Anastasia says she is very disciplined with herself during her training, regularly running around Idle and Shipley.

"I know if I get any twinges I know it is time to stop and take a rest. I go running most days of the week and I also go to Kents gym," she explains, referring to her 20 year membership of the gym in Undercliffe Road, Bradford.

Like many who enjoy running for a pastime, Anastasia says it helps her to keep focused and be positive. "You start to run and any little problems you have you solve them in your head."

For Anastasia the benefits running has brought to her, and the charities she supports, are endless.

"It's a continual part of my life."

And one she is keen to continue so watch this space for the ultra challenge......