A marathon world record attempt, which begins this week, has been given a boost by a Bradford car dealership.

Skoda retailer DM Keith Ltd, which has a branch in Canal Road, is providing an Octavia estate as a support vehicle for athlete Andy McMenemy and his team as he attempts to run 66 ultra-marathons – 30.07 miles or 50 kilometres – in 66 days.

A Telegraph & Argus appeal for a volunteer driver to take the team around the country in a motorhome has been successful, and the group will hit the road on Wednesday.

Mr McMenemy aims to raise £1 million for ABF, The Soldiers’ Charity, formerly the Army Benevolent Fund, with his feat of endurance.

The first leg will be in Leeds on Wednesday, with people invited to cheer him along as he tackles the second leg in Lister Park, Bradford, on Thursday.

Mr McMenemy said: “It is great to be running in Bradford and I welcome anyone who wishes to show support or join me on this leg of my marathon journey to help The Soldiers’ Charity continue their fantastic work.

The support Challenge 66 has received so far in the county is incredible, but we do need people to go to our website and donate to help us hit our target.”

Dougal Keith, managing director of DM Keith, said: “DM Keith is proud to be associated with such a worthwhile cause.

“Family is at the heart of our business, and The Soldiers Charity literally helps the lives of many soldiers and families on a daily basis.”

Children from schools across the region will act as Mr McMenemy’s tour guides as he travels from city to city.

With support from Education Bradford, the youngsters will make films about the challenge, which will be shown at the National Media Museum’s Picture-ville Cinema in June.

To sponsor the run, visit challenge66.org.

  • Read the full story in Monday's T&A