A CO Down man, now living in America, will next month run his 100th marathon in Belfast, the city where it all began.
Michael Pentland, who lives in Houston, Texas, completed his first marathon in Belfast back in 1997 and 19 years on he will return to run the route for charity on May 2.
The Bangor man recently completed his 99th marathon in Texas.
All the proceeds raised from his latest effort will go towards Bangor-based Christian charity Abaana, who work with children in poverty, primarily in Uganda, East Africa.
While the preparation is hard work, running 35-45 miles a week, the Bangor man does not lack for motivation.
"There are many people who work harder and face more extreme and tougher challenges every day just to keep themselves and their families alive," he said.
"That is why I want to use this hundredth marathon to try to share something with people who could use our help. I have seen some of that poverty and misery and I have seen how it is possible to make a difference."
A spokesperson for Abaana said: “We were thrilled when Michael rang our office in Bangor to share his story and to offer to raise funds for our work with children living in poverty in Uganda.
"Running 100 marathons is a simply amazing effort and we are privileged to have Michael partnering with us to help bring hope to the lives of children in Uganda.”
To help with Michael's fundraising effort visit his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/Michael-Pentland
