RUNNING: IN spring 2002, Keith Hancock dragged himself around the final 12 miles of the gruelling London Marathon carrying injuries to his right knee and left hip.

On crossing the finishing line in excruciating pain, he uttered the words: 'Never, ever again'. At the time he meant it with all his heart.

But the pain eased and slowly turned to frustration, then determination.

Now Keith, who lives in Crewe, is bidding for a hat-trick of endurance events which will erase the painful memory. He is taking on the London Marathon, the New York Marathon and a Land's End to John O'Groats cycle ride - all in the next few months!

Keith, who describes himself as '42 going on 19', explained: 'It was absolute agony in 2002 and I hobbled around for more than 10 miles. I really meant it when I said 'never again', but now I feel that it owes me one, so I decided to do it again.

'Then, a couple of mates said they wanted to do the New York Marathon, so I thought I'd have a bit of that as well. And I want to do the Land's End to John O'Groats cycle ride for a local charity.

'It is a lot to take on but I feel in the best shape I have been in for years. I want to do these things before I stop taking part in events altogether. I may as well do them all in one hit.

'I am looking forward to the challenge. If I do pick up an injury I think I will be all the more determined to keep going. I am ready to really step up my training.'

The London Marathon, on April 17, will be Keith's first challenge, joining more than 35,000 people, from professionals and celebrities to charity runners, on the 26.2 mile grueller.

And on November 6, he will join 30,000 entrants from 100 countries and 50 states at the New York Marathon.

In between, a simple 900-mile-plus cycle trip the length of Britain, with a couple of pals over about 10 days in August, should keep the enthusiast's engine ticking over!

Keith, who also took part in the 2001 London Marathon, runs On Your Marks, a company formed by experts on sport development, event management and coaching. It arranges events for youngsters across Britain and overseas, including Crewe and Nantwich's Sportshall Athletics.

His extensive commitment to his business saw him give up his role as chairman of Crewe and Nantwich AC. But he still coaches a small group of talented individuals at the Cumberland Arena.

He added: 'I still enjoy it and plan to really get back into it in the future. But at the moment I have to dedicate so much time to the business it is impossible. Plus I have my own training to do!'

For more information on On Your Marks, visit www.onyourmarks.net