Kirkby Woodhouse runner Stuart King is swapping track and cross-country courses for the streets of London in April.

Stuart, (28), (pictured) a former Mansfield Harrier and Heanor RC member who now runs for Notts AC, is tackling the London Marathon — his first marathon — as a championship runner.

And he will be raising money for charity at the same time.

Stuart, formerly of Mansfield Woodhouse, is supporting the locally-based Parents Association for Seriously Ill Children (PASIC), which supports children and young people with cancer.

He qualified for the event through a Worksop Half Marathon time. A health mentor at Southwark Primary School, Nottingham, Stuart said: “It is a totally different challenge for me and I have no idea what to expect.

“It is my first ever marathon so I can’t be too ambitious with my targets.

“I just hope that I can do my part for the community and help those who need it most in the process.”

To support Stuart, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Stuart-King21?newPage=True