TWO Worcester runners are undertaking a marathon challenge in New York tomorrow. Rod Thomas and Lawrence Coleman will join 37,000 others for the world famous sporting event.

Mr Thomas, head of business services at Harrison Clark Solicitors in Worcester, will be running to raise money for Barnardo's, the law firm's chosen charity.

Among the thousands of runners, both professional and amateur from around the world, Mr Thomas is participating in the New York Marathon for the first time. He completed the London Marathon last year, with his colleague and fellow lawyer, Catherine Phillips.

"After I ran the London Marathon for Leukaemia Care, my colleague, Richard Morgan, twisted my arm to run another for charity this year," he said.

"I thought the only event that could top it would be the New York marathon.

Anyone who wants to make a donation to Barnardo's, relating to Mr Thomas's New York Marathon run, can contact Ann Fraser at Harrison Clark on 01905 744 838.

Meanwhile, Mr Coleman, of Beckett Road, Northwick, is running his first ever marathon to raise funds for Tenovus - a charity dedicated to research into cancer prevention, education, counselling and patient care. He said: "I chose the charity because my grandmother died of cancer several years ago and although my grandfather didn't die from cancer, he suffered from it shortly before his death.

"It has been quite prevalent in my family."

The sales director, who trains at Cannons gym off Droitwich Road, Worcester, said his 31-year-old wife Sarah will be cheering him on. Mr Coleman hopes to complete the event in under four hours.

To help him reach his £3,000 sponsorship target, visit www.justgiving.com/ lawrencecoleman