A 71-year-old Bradford man will undertake an extraordinary feat of strength and endurance, running the 26-mile London Marathon on Sunday for the 11th time.

Although Jim Parrish, of Baildon, promised his wife the 2007 Marathon would be his last, he couldn't resist signing up.

He said: "Marathon running is always something I've found a challenge and I'm still up for that even though I'm 71."

He will run for the Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF) which helps people living in the world's poorest communities to sustain themselves.

He said: "I'm happy to support these projects because I worked in Malawi for six years and it is a special place for us."

Amanda Norman, of MRDF, said: "We are delighted Jim has chosen to run for us.

"There are people living with HIV/AIDS in Malawi who have learnt new ways to supplement their income and Jim played a part in that when he ran last year. We know many others will benefit from his efforts this year."

To sponsor Jim send a cheque to MRDF, 25 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5JR.

A Bradford writer and comedian is also preparing to run the London Marathon chained to six friends to raise money for charity.

James Wrighton, also known as Geoff, will be in full convict fancy dress as they run the race for international development charity ActionAid.

The group will be aiming to break the Guinness World Record fastest chained marathon time of three hours, 40 minutes and 16 seconds. James said: "We know this will be a hard time to beat - especially as the record was originally set by only two people."

ActionAid spokesman Jennifer Fash said: "We are thrilled the group have decided to raise funds for ActionAid this year and wish them lots of luck."

To sponsor the group go to myactionaid.org.uk/convicts 2008/convicts-on-the-run-london-marathon-2008.

Veterinary surgeon Simon Thomas will run his first-ever marathon alongside his son. They will race in aid of Phabkids, a charity which helps disabled children integrate with able-bodied children.

To sponsor Simon visit just giving.com/simon_thomas1 Other Bradford runners include Adam Hodgson, 32, of Bingley, in aid of Sense, a charity which supports deaf and blind children and their families, Andrew Rayner, 42, of Otley, running in aid of World Cancer Research Fund, Rebecca Langdon, 29, of Brighouse, running for the Cardiomyopathy Association and Bradford's Nazim Ali racing to help orphans in Iraq.

Tamsin, 30, and Kirstie Eccles, 39, will run alongside their 63-year-old mother Janice in aid of Guide Dogs for the blind and Dave Chambers, 31, of Saltaire is running for Farm Africa.

Davina Smith, of Idle, will be running on her 42nd birthday for BLISS, which campaigns for improvement in neonatal care, while Gemma Cockshott, 20, from Eccleshill, is running to support CLIC Sargent, a charity to help children with cancer.