A DETERMINED Barnt Green man is to compete in the New York Marathon against a field of top class athletes.

Kirk Allen, of Barnt Green Road, is not out to win but is looking to raise £1,750 for charity.

He only took up running this year and completed the Rubery half-marathon in a respectable time of two hours, eight minutes, but admitted to being "very exhausted."

Kirk is training hard for the event, running five times a week, including a weekend run from Redditch to Barnt Green in preparation for the big day.

If the training pays off Kirk hopes to raise money for SCOPE, an organisation for people with cerebral palsy.

Rubery-based catering company, Compass Group, is sponsoring him but he needs more help to reach his target in 'the Big Apple'.

Kirk said: "It will be tough but I am extremely excited."

The marathon, which takes place on November 4, is doubling up as the US championships, attracting one of its strongest fields ever.

Last year's winner, Rod DeHaven, is again competing.

As well as attracting elite athletes, a record 35,000 runners are also expected to compete.

If you can help, call Kirk on 0121 447 8476 or SCOPE on 0808 800333.