CHARITY runner Kim Austin is stepping up a gear to take part in her first marathon and is on track to raise more than £300 for breast cancer research.

The 24-year-old from Kidderminster is busy training for the Shakespeare Marathon in Stratford on Sunday. Kim Austin is on track to raise cash for charity.

Kim, a manager at McDonalds in Dudley, has taken part in shorter runs including the last three Cancer Research Race for Life events.

"I thought it would be a challenge to take part in a marathon and the preparations are going well.

"I picked the charity Against Breast Cancer because it's a worthy cause," she said.

Kim, of Stourbridge Road, is training at the Sands Health Studio in the Horsefair to a fitness programme designed by owner Sandra Marsh.