A SWINDON councillor is hoping to sprint to fundraising success as he prepares to take on his 12th marathon.

Eastcott councillor Stan Pajak, best known to residents for his work bettering the community will pull his running shoes on and sprint 26.2 miles in the Brighton marathon next month.

And Stan plans to show the same dedication in his marathon effort as he does to his council work as he takes on the mammoth distance.

Stan, who lives in Drove Road said he has hopes of raising £500 for Dial-A-ride

He said: “Dial-A-Ride is such a fantastic charity that does so much good work in the community that it was the perfect charity for me to choose,”he said

“This will be the third time I’ve run for Dial-A-ride so I’m hoping to raise a lot of money and some awareness for them as well.

The multi-tasking councillor, who combines his running with working at Nationwide and leadership of the Swindon Liberal Democrat Group, said running was a perfect way to relax and keep fit during the week.

“I enjoy running because it enables you to keep fit and to get away from everything for a bit. It’s a great way of keeping healthy and of course I’m raising money too so it’s very enjoyable.

“We are very lucky in Swindon that we have so many beautiful spots in which to run in. I like running in Coate or round Lydiard, you can really get the miles up.

Stan, who has run the London Marathon twice, said he was looking forward to the challenge of yet another endurance race.

“Somehow you get through it, with jelly babies, energy drinks and the right mindset. It helps to have a positive mindset before you set off because every marathon is different and has its own challenges.

“I run three times a week and I’m getting up the miles now so I’ll be ready in a couple of weeks’ time. It is always a nervous time but I am looking forward to getting it out of the way

But the seasoned sprinter has vowed that this marathon will be his last

“It takes a lot of preparation for a marathon and while I have enjoyed doing the marathons I want to relax a bit now and enjoy running.

He will however be sprinting in the relaunched Swindon Half Marathon due to be held in September.