MEET the man who will be running the ABP Southampton Half Marathon as part of his 26 half marathons in 52 weeks.

Dieter Sullivan, 64, took up running in his early 40s and has since run in many events around the world, including Berlin and Cyprus, and will aim to take on the New York Marathon next year.

The Northamptonshire man is taking part in the ‘26 half marathons in 52 weeks’ challenge set up by Phoenix Running.

The Southampton race will be Dieters eleventh half marathon of the challenge.

He said: “As someone who really enjoys running and has done for many years, the 26 half marathons in 52 weeks challenge was perfect for me.

“I started the challenge on February 1.

“Me and my wife both love running and have been to so many places because of it.

“Whilst I am running in the ABP Southampton Half Marathon, she will be training for the Rock n Roll Liverpool Marathon at the end of May where I also will be running another half.”

Nikki Rees, managing director for the ABP Southampton Marathon, said: “We love that our event is enjoyed by so many passionate runners around the country.

“We are excited to support Dieter at the ABP Southampton Marathon as part of his 26 half marathons in 52 weeks challenge and wish him the best of luck with the rest of his half marathons.

“It’s hearing about these personal challenges that make the event really special for us.”

The ABP Southampton Marathon takes place on May 5. It features a marathon, half marathon, a 10K and children’s fun run.

All races start and finish in the city centre, and the main race passes many local landmarks including the Bargate, Itchen Bridge, Weston Shore, Riverside Park and the Common.