A LOCAL head teacher who has set himself the challenge of completing 25 Olympic city marathons is using his latest challenge to warm up for the Yorkshire marathon.

Andy Falconer, head teacher at St Olave’s School, the junior school of St Peter’s in York, is running the Helsinki marathon next Saturday, August, 17, to help him to prepare for the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon in October.

Having already completed five marathons, including London, Paris and Berlin, as well as one ultra marathon in the Scottish Highlands, Mr Falconer is hoping to secure a personal best for the Yorkshire marathon.

He said: “My personal best was the Berlin marathon last year in three hours and 58 minutes. I’m hoping to shave a bit off that for Helsinki and then hopefully get three hours 45 for the Yorkshire marathon.

“I’m also doing the Great North Run in September so that will be a warm-up for the marathon as well.”

Despite having an almost 18-year break from running following problems with his knees, the 40-year-old now runs six times a week as part of his training plan.

He said: “I am doing the Hanson-Brooks method. The idea is that your body gets used to always being tired, your body is always achey but it’s quite a nice ache.”

Despite the York based race still being over two months away, Mr Falconer is already looking forward to the 26.2 mile run.

He said: “The York marathon is creating a real buzz because it’s a home marathon and that’s very different than going away for one.

“A marathon is not a distance you can take for granted. The last few miles are really tough and I am never quite sure how I am going to find the last few miles.

“Running gives me good thinking time and something to aim for. Once running gets in your blood that’s it.”

Mr Falconer is raising money for the school charity, Get Kids Going, which provides coaching and equipment for disabled children in sport, and has so far raised £4,000.

A group of about 30 teachers and parents from the school will also be running alongside him on the day.

He said: “My advice would be to get in a group for training because running with someone else definitely makes it easier.

“Also, look at the route and plan where you will want your friends and family cheering you on and that will be a big help on the day.”

After the Helsinki marathon on August, 17, Mr Falconer will have 21 marathons left to complete in cities where the Olympics have been held, including Amsterdam, Oslo and Sydney.