Andrew all set for his marathon challenge

FOR many, it is hard to contemplate completing a single marathon. So, imagine attempting the equivalent of 100 marathons in just 85 days - doubling the current world record.

That is the feat being undertaken by Edinburgh GP Andrew Murray, who plans to tear up 2650 miles in little under three months - and return to Scotland in time to tie the knot.

The 30-year-old, who has previously tested his conditioning in some of the world's toughest terrains including the North Pole and Everest, is preparing for his most ambitious task yet, running solo from Scotland to the Sahara.

The Guinness world record for consecutive marathons stands at 51 in as many days but Mr Murray's arduous bid is not planned as an official record-breaking attempt.

Instead, the locum doctor will set off on his epic jaunt on November 8 and expects to complete the distance by January 31 - less than three weeks before he weds fiance Jennie.

But the prospect of the titanic trek is made all the more startling because the Edinburgh GP only took up running five years ago and he is modest about his prowess.

"I'm a reasonable club runner," said the former Heriot's schoolboy. "I am decent but not exceptional. I started running in 2005 having previously played a lot of different sports without any great talent. I really enjoy running and like setting myself challenges."

He has already been putting in endurance training, however, and was part of a three-man team to run an 84-mile ultra marathon along Hadrian's Wall earlier this month, breaking the world record by three hours.

The Aberdeen-born athlete, who has lived in Edinburgh for 20 years, was inspired after becoming involved with a Mongolian charity Yamaa Trust, which aims to eradicate poverty from the south Gobi region of the country.

"Last year I was out in Mongolia and could see there was a lot that needed to be done," he said. "The people there are happy to share that little they have with you but it was only when I got out there I realised the harsh reality of what it's like."

He has set a conservative fundraising target of 25,000, which he will donate to the Yamaa Trust, but hopes his gruelling endeavour will encourage people to give more.

Covering about 31 miles each day means the endurance runner must consume 4000 more daily calories than the average intake.

Asked what was the medical consensus for his extraordinary trip, the GP said: "Probably that doing this is not a very good idea." But he added: "It's not a rational challenge, I'm doing it because it's a big ask and I'm trying to raise money for charity."

But what does his bride-to-be make of the feat?

"She's a bit worried because it is at the brink of what I can do. But she is a bit of a runner herself and has been very supportive."