A FOOTBALL coach from York is lacing up his trainers for a gruelling 110-mile run this weekend.

Richard Mann, of Bishopthorpe, is set to run in the Hardmoors 110 Ultramarathon on Saturday and Sunday, while raising funds for Bishopthorpe White Rose Junior Football Club. The 38-year-old is the coach for the club’s under-eights team.

All the money will go towards the club’s future community facility and pitches. The club has so far raised £45,000 of its £80,000 fundraising target.

Richard, who aims to raise £500 with the run, said: “I’m up for this incredible challenge and cannot wait.

"As a coach for a youth team, I am very passionate about the importance of personal development through sport. What better way to demonstrate this than to take on the Hardmoors 110 and choose the football club to benefit from the sponsorship generously donated towards my endeavour.”

The Hardmoors 110 follows the Cleveland Way national trail encircling the North York Moors and the Cleveland Heritage coastline. It is 110 miles off-road from Filey to Helmsley with 6,000 metres of elevation gain and a time limit of 36 hours. Richard attempted the feat back in 2014 but had to drop out at mile 102 due to an injury.

Bishopthorpe White Rose Football Club has recently outgrown available facilities in Bishopthorpe as it currently plays across five different sites and does not have a home ground, clubhouse or focal point in the community.

In 2017, the club was offered land by City of York Council, and have support and funding agreed in principle from both the council and the Football Association to have their own purpose-built pitches and clubhouse in the village.

To sponsor Richard for his efforts, go to mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/hardmoors110