A Harrogate man is to run seven ultramarathons in seven days to raise money for research into Crohn’s and colitis, which are the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Kevin Easley, from Plompton, will take on the mammoth 320 kilometre run in March.

He said he was inspired by his own experiences with ulcerative colitis:

Mr Easley will start the run at his workplace, Bannatyne Health Club and Spa, in Leeds.

He will run through various parts of the Harrogate district, including the Plompton Rocks area, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Huby, Kirkby Overblow and Follifoot.

He then hopes to pass the reservoirs at Swinsty, Thruscross and Fewston before heading towards Wharfedale and then around the Harrogate ringway.

On his penultimate day, he will run from Malham to the Pennine Way and out to Horton-in-Ribblesdale, after which will finish at Bannatyne Health Club and Spa in York.

Duncan Bannatyne, chairman and chief executive of the health club, as well as former dragon on BBC’s Dragon’s Den, praised Mr Easley for his efforts:

Mr Easley will begin the ultramarathon challenge on Sunday, March 10.

He will pass through the Harrogate district on March 11, 12 and 14.

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