John Reynolds, known locally as the 'Marathon Man', from Radstock, has topped off his amazing year of achievements by taking part in a massive 200-mile run which will now mean that he has covered the entire length of the United Kingdom.

He embarked on his final run of the year across Wales on Saturday, 27th December, starting in St David's, Wales, taking in the Brecon Beacons and the Severn Bridge, before joining up with fellow runners, Jim Plunkett-Cole and his team's Green Man Ultra Marathon on New Year's Eve, the culmination of another annual project, which has seen runners from across the area take part in their own personal challenges during 2014.

Wales was the final stretch in John's tour, which has seen him run through Scotland, Ireland, mainland England and the Channel Islands over the course of 2014.

You'd think then that he would be looking forward to taking it easy in 2015, but you would be wrong. Not only is John currently writing a book about his experiences of running the whole of the UK, but he is also hoping to continue working with local schools and launch his new challenge of running across Europe.

"I've signed up for Ultra Trail du Mount Blanc, which is a race around the

mountain of the same name, but I won't know if I've been accepted until January, if not, I'll set up my own route and run around the Alps."

Ultra Trail du Mount Blanc takes place in August and only accepts runners with experience of running on mountainous terrain.

Regardless as to whether or not he takes part, John is keen to cover Europe in the coming year. "While I was running around the UK, I had local schools following my progress, so I would like to do that again, but with Europe, and get the children involved in following me around The Continent."

While most of us are contemplating getting fitter in the New Year and wondering how to work off that Christmas dinner, John will be busy planning ahead for his next set of running challenges, plus finding time to sit down and write about his experiences.

The book, which he hopes to have ready by the end of the year, will chronicle his journey around the UK and the different runs he undertook during the year. He said: "If the book is successful, hopefully, I'll write one about how I got into running, from not being able to even walk to where I am now."

Over the years, John has attracted a wide range of media attention due to his truly epic runs around the area (and indeed the country), inspiring many along the way. His achievements would be remarkable for any experienced runner, however, John had to learn to walk again after radiotherapy left him severely

debilitated. Even more remarkably, John had to have heart surgery for a hereditary condition in

December 2013, but has been determined not to let it stand in his way. Over the years, he has raised money for local charities, including Children's Hospice South West and the National Osteoporosis Society, whilst championing other causes, such as the cardiac unit at the RUH, where he received treatment.

"I did have a bit of a rest on Christmas Day," John

assured us, "I took the dogs out for a little run in the morning, but was quiet for the rest of the day in

preparation for Saturday."

John's last race began on 27th December and ends on New Year's Eve, as The Journal went to press, when he joins the Green Man Ultra Marathon around Bristol. To find out more about the 10kx365 challenge which is also taking place, or to sign up for 2015, visit: www.

facebook.com/10kx365 or: http://www.2015kx365.com">www.2015kx365.com Good luck to all of our local runners!