Sunderland Harrier Kevin Jeffress is on the marathon trail again after an absence of four years.
The England Masters’ Cross Country international and three times North East Over-35 champion is looking for a big improvement on his previous performances over the classic distance.
He competes in the Greater Manchester Marathon in Trafford on Sunday and is determined to shatter his previous best over the 26 miles 365 yards distance.
The Seaham athlete said: “Training has been going well, it has been a long slog over the winter, running over 100 miles each week with two to three hard sessions included. This has also included running twice a day every day.
“I’ve been fitting in training between working in my sports therapy clinic (Stride Sports) and spending time with my daughter Neve, and occasionally doing some short runs with her, as she is keen to join the Harriers when she is old enough.”
Jeffress is looking to run under 2.35 and this is the target time he has set himself, based on his three previous modest marathon performances.
His first attempt was in the Kielder Marathon in 2010 when he recorded 3.30 as an unattached runner.
In 2012 he clocked 2.59.16 in the Sunderland Marathon before improving to 2.47. 35 the next year only for the result to be annulled as the course was found to be 200 meters short.
The 37-year-old is now a much better athlete than when he dabbled with the marathon previously.
He added: “Both of the club distance coaches (former marathon internationals) Ritchie Tough and Glenn Forster have both said I’m in good shape and I should be capable of a time going under 2.35, so this is the goal I have set myself. “My previous marathons were done on less than half the mileage I’m on now and minimal concentrated training. This will be the first marathon I’ve specifically trained for.’’ “I’ve done a few races in the build-up on tired legs including last week’s Thirsk 10 mile road race.