Pictured above: (l-r) Alastair Payne, bank bar and lounge owner and Ian Hogg, manager of Poundland in Cannock, get ready to run The Grand Union Canal race route

A super-fit Cannock businessman is taking part in one of the toughest race routes imaginable for charity - a 145 mile run across a canal network from Birmingham to London.

Alastair Payne, owner of the bank bar and lounge, in Wolverhampton Road, will be running The Grand Union Canal race route on June 25 and 26.

He will be supported by Cannock Poundland manager Ian Hogg who will be running the equivalent of two marathons in two stages to help Alastair in his own epic challenge.

The official race is taking place on May 28 and 29 but unfortunately Alastair missed out when lots were drawn earlier this year.

Disappointed but not disheartened a determined Alastair has decided to run the race himself a month later. The run will start in the heart of Birmingham and finish in Little Venice, London.

Both men are experienced marathon runners and Alastair was inspired to take part in the run after completing the Cotswold 100 mile ultra run last year. 

Alastair, who lives in Hednesford, has completed seven marathons including the New York Marathon and the London Marathon five times. His best time was an incredible 2 hours 45 minutes. He is also a top amateur cyclist and has cycled 100 miles taking part in The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride.

Ian is also an experienced runner and completed the Edinburgh Marathon last year.

Both men are hoping to raise over £1000 each for charity. Alastair will be raising money for St Giles Hospice while Ian will be raising money for Help for Heroes as chosen by staff at Poundland.

Alastair, aged 44, who wants to complete the run within 36 hours, said: "I completed the Cotswold ultra run last year in 23 hours. Although it was the most physically and mentally demanding thing I have ever done it gave me the inspiration to take part in an even bigger test - The Grand Union Canal Race. 

"I was really disappointed when I didn't get into the official race but I thought well why not run the race route anyway.

"Ian has come on board and said he will join me for two stages which is absolutely fantastic as I will need all the support I can get to get me through it.

"My good friend Dave Hicks who has taken part in a number of marathon runs and cycle rides with me is also hoping to run with me and wants to complete 100 miles. He always offers huge support to me and it will be great to having him run alongside me. 

"I would also welcome anyone who would like to join me to run a stage of the race or whatever they feel they can manage. It is going to be so tough for me mentally and physically. The most difficult part will be the night running where we will be wearing head torches. I will welcome with open arms any support which is offered. 

"It is a huge challenge but one which I am really looking forward to. I have run marathons and I have run them in very quick times but this challenge is completely different. I will have to slow my speed down to running 12 minute miles. I will go at a very slow pace but it's the only way I will be able to conserve my energy and get to the finish line.

"I will be running for St Giles Hospice. My parents are in their 25th year this year carrying out voluntary work for St Giles Hospice and I want to do my bit to contribute to such a worthwhile cause."

For Cannock man Ian the challenge is particularly poignant for him as he has a degenerative hereditary eye disease which means he is likely to have lost his sight by the time he reaches middle age.

Ian, aged 35, who performs in local band Paisley Riot, said: "I heard what Alastair was planning and I thought I would like to get involved and support him. I won't be able to run the whole distance but I am looking to run two stages on the first and second day. I have a hereditary degenerative eye disease so I am trying to do as many fantastic challenges before I finally lose my sight. I have run marathons before and I keep myself very fit but this is going to be one incredibly tough challenge. But I know we will have a lot of people behind us and this will help to get us both through it. Help For Heroes is a wonderful charity as our servicemen and women do a fantastic job serving our country. I hope I can raise lots of money for the charity." 

Poundland will be supporting the run by donating energy drinks and bars and some of the staff will be travelling down to offer their support and set up drink and snack stations. Anyone who would like to run with Alastair or provide volunteer support on the day can ring the bank bar and lounge on 01543 509251.

People who would like to donate to Alastair's charity run with proceeds going to St Giles Hospice can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/145ultrarun

Anyone who would like to donate to Ian's charity Help For Heroes can do so by popping into Poundland where there will be a designated charity donation area set up.