Marathon runner aims for 500 mark

Steve Edwards eats four "large" meals a day

A man is on track to finish 500 marathons by the time the 2012 Olympic Games come to London, after completing the capital's race at the weekend.

Steve Edwards, 45, from Moreton-in-Marsh, has clocked up 452 marathons in 20 years after starting running for a bet.

If successful, he will be in an elite group of less than 40 runners, and will have run one marathon every 17 days.

Mr Edwards runs for the Spinal Injuries Association.

Some people might call my passion for running an addiction but I prefer to say that I'm committed Steve Edwards

He said: "The official start of my 500 marathon challenge was in 1988, but I actually ran my first one seven years before that after a bet with some mates.

"I don't count that one in the tally because it was too slow.

"Some people might call my passion for running an addiction but I prefer to say that I'm committed.

"I run about 60 miles a week on average although I do manage to live a normal life. I've got my loving wife Teresa at home and I enjoy a bit of gardening."

He added that he ate four "large" meals every day.