A Sheffield student plans to run 100 miles in May in support of various charities as a result of a light-hearted bet with his co-worker. 

Harrison Martin, 19, a student at the University of Sheffield, decided to take up running in December after insisting to his manager that he could easily run a half marathon, despite being a complete beginner. 

He then went on to finish his first ever half-marathon in March, after just three months of training, in support of the Benjamin Foundation, which sparked a new found passion for Mr Martin. 

He said: “It meant a lot to me to be able to give back to The Benjamin Foundation after they supported my family when we took on a caring role for my grandad back in 2021”. 

“I managed to raise just over £300 and was so grateful for all donations”. 

Their work as a charity is extensive, centered around supporting vulnerable young people in East Anglia, where Mr Martin grew up. 

Across May, he will be running a total of 100 miles, meaning he will have to complete an average of just over three miles a day in support of Cancer Research UK and Roundabout Charity Sheffield, which aims to provide accomodation, support and life skills to young people who are facing homelessness or are at risk of it. 

The 100 miles will also include the Leeds Marathon on the 11th of May, which will be an incredible achievement for Mr Martin after only having taken up running properly just after Christmas last year. 

He said: “Running feels like a release for me from any pressure or stress that I might be feeling, and I am quite glad I was so cocky about it with my co-worker before I properly started running or I may have never taken it up!”

“It is also an added bonus that I get the opportunity to give back to a lot of amazing charities from both Sheffield and back where I grew up in Norfolk”. 

Mr Martin is not planning to give up running any time soon, with goals to complete two ultra marathons in June for East Anglian Children’s Hospices.