RUNNERS of all abilities are being called upon to join the Mayor of Swindon as he completes a marathon round the town for three local charities.

Instead of the London Marathon next month mayor Junab Ali is bringing the 26 miles to Swindon - and is asking all runners in the town to join him at eight different stages along the way.

His challenge is on April 24 and starts at 6.30am outside the Link Centre, stopping off at points including Westlea Primary School, the research council offices in Polaris House, Nationwide HQ on Piper’s Way, before crossing the finish line at 7pm outside Swindon Shin Splints.

The mayor, and all the runners who join him, will raise money for his chosen charities, the community garden project Twigs, radio station Swindon 105.5, and refugee charity The Harbour Project.

Mr Ali, who has Type 2 diabetes, has grabbed the opportunity after the London Marathon didn’t accept his application to run for local charities.

He hopes it will be a chance to bring the town together and promote exercise and a healthier lifestyle.

He told the Adver: “I want everybody to participate as much as possible, and to raise as much money for the three local charities.

“Because they’re local it means a lot. The national ones get a lot of publicity but the local ones don’t.

“People don’t have to run all the way, they can join whenever they want to, and hopefully raise as much money as possible.

“The only person who will be not stopping is me, unless I need a comfort break. I think it will be a tremendous boost for the town.”

The mayor started running last year and took part in his first half marathon after he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2012, meaning he had to change his diet drastically and was recommended to take light exercise.

He added: “I was told by my nurse not to think about doing a half marathon or full marathon. I’ve proved them wrong already.

“People get overcautious, but I think if you’re determined enough then why not. And it’s been good for my health over the last year or so.

“It’s been tough to fit all the training in, with the mayoral duties and the business, but I try to fit in five or 10k when I can. If I can do it then anyone can.

“Why not do the marathon here when we can involve the whole town, schools, businesses and everybody, I thought it would be brilliant to engage the whole community.”

Runners wanting to take part can make a donation before or after the race through the online page at www.localgiving.org/appeal/Mayorsswindonmarathon/