A TEENAGE runner from Suckley who is too young to compete in organised marathons put on his own event to raise money for St Richard’s Hospice.

Rich Smith ran from his home in Suckley to Ledbury and back, then out towards Bromyard and back, covering the 26.2 mile marathon distance in the process.

The 15-year-old was accompanied by his friend and fellow Chase Technology College student Edward Workman, who cycled alongside him measuring the distance he had covered, keeping him company and carrying much-needed drinks and energy food.

Unlike those running organised marathons Rich faced a particularly hilly route, but nonetheless completed the challenge successfully, raising more than £500 for the hospice in the process.

Rich is very grateful to everyone who has supported his challenge.

“It’s a really good cause and people have been very generous,” he said.

Anyone who would like to sponsor him can log on to justgiving.com/strichards or send a cheque to St Richards at Wildwood Drive, Worcester, WR5 2QT stating that it is to sponsor Richard Smith on his marathon.