A RUNNER has put his legs to the test after completing a 125-mile challenge along the River Tyne.

Chris Anderson, of Spennymoor, runs with the Evenwood Road Runners but was inspired to take on a challenge in memory of his father, Stewart Anderson, who passed away from cancer aged just 62 last year.

Mr Anderson began at the source of the River, in Scotland and ran on average 25 miles a day.

The quality technician said he was visiting Tynemouth to mark his dad’s birthday in January when he had the idea, saying his father loved the area and would have been proud of his efforts.

Supported by his wife Louise and daughter Grace, Mr Anderson was picked up and dropped off after each days running before reaching his final destination, and was even joined by members of the Evenwood Road Runners for parts of his journey.

It took Mr Anderson five days to complete the challenge, wearing his lucky red hat all the way, and he was rewarded with a trip to the pub when he reached the finish line on August 27.

Mr Anderson has raised £400 for the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust charity which helps those affected by cancer and their families.

Talking about his experience he said: “My dad would have been proud; he liked the River Tyne and it just felt great to run it and a relief when I finished.”