SHOP worker Joe Mewes is ready to run his tenth half marathon - without any training.

As he raises money for Redcar's lifeboat, the Morrison's employee is aiming for a 90-minute finish time in the 23rd Liberata Redcar Half Marathon.

Mr Mewes, of Arlington Road, Middlesbrough, began fun- running in 1996, and after six Cumbrian half-marathons and three Great North Runs, Redcar will be a seaside debut.

Mr Mewes, who works night- shifts at the store in Darlington, said: "I don't do any training, but I'm confident I can finish in about one hour, 25 minutes."

He added: "I've just moved to Teesside and I'm looking forward to the event. I usually do it for a good cause, too, and I'm picking the Redcar lifeboat."

The event, which incorporates the North-East Championships, is expected to attract about 1,000 runners, with a mix of serious club runners alongside fund-raising fun runners, starting at 10.30am from the Redcar Leisure Centre, in Majuba Road, on Sunday, March 13. Entry fee is £11.50 for club runners, £12.50 for unattached. Each runner to complete the course will receive a T-shirt and medal.

For more information, call Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's events team on (01642) 471503 or log on to the council's website, www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk

Closing date for postal entries is February 28.