Marathon effort (From Penarth Times)

Marathon effort

A WEEK'S worth of marathons proved to be even more of a challenge than expected for a Penarth policeman.

For a change in circumstances meant Pc Johnny Johnson had to go to work - as well as running an incredible seven marathons in seven days.

Johnny, aged 36, originally booked a week off work and planned to run the course of the Cardiff marathon on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, a route around the Vale of Glamorgan on Friday - and finishing with the Cardiff Marathon on Sunday alongside thousands of other runners.

However, the dad-of-two could be seen running along the A48 at around 5am on four of the days - heading in the direction of the police headquarters in Bridgend.

But despite having to work throughout the week, Johnny successfully completed the 183.4 miles - raising around 2,000 for his chosen charity Barnado's.

A very tired Johnny said: "The experience was fantastic, but when I finished, I had had enough!"

Johnny explained that he ran the bulk of Monday to Thursday's marathons on the way to work, but he had to complete the remaining miles during his lunch break and when he got home in the evenings.

"I would have preferred to do each of the marathons in one block - but it can't be helped," he added.

"I got a few quid in for my charity, and that was the main thing!"

During Friday's stint, Johnny stopped at several schools in the area, where energetic pupils and staff accompanied him for a mile or two.