Number two. Fellow Scot, friend and sometime lodger of Barry and Abbey. Uncle to Stanley. Back running after a major lapse.

I’m currently Edinburgh Schools Cross Country Champion, and am the current junior winner of the Falkirk Half-Marathon.

That was in 1991 of course. Apart from a wee bit of grandstanding, the only thing I’m showing off there is my age. It’s ages since I’ve run seriously. I’m too old to take most things seriously. I did a half marathon back in 2006 but that was pretty light hearted. Even back when I was a nipper, I don’t think I ever ran more than 15 miles. It’s scary running long distances. You need to take your Oyster card in case of mishaps, unless you’re running round and round your immediate area loads of times. Things hurt, ache and your face goes a really deep red like a beetroot. It’s also exhilarating and it at least slows down the progression of a (my) middle-aged paunch. Plus it’s impressive running a marathon. People go ‘wow’ and ‘ooh’ and are generally supportive. Doing six marathons in six days is a mighty feat. I take my hat off to Barry and wish all the team a safe and highly charitable run.