IT SEEMS that running the London Marathon is not enough for one Newport man - as he cycles to the city ahead of taking part in the 26.2 mile race on Sunday.

Keen cyclist and runner Mark Birchall, 46, decided to combine both his hobbies into the one mammoth challenge.

He set off on his bike on Thursday from outside The Hilton, Coldra - with the journey expected to take him three days, covering 180 miles.

He was due to arrive today, and tomorrow Mr Birchall, who works as a surveyor, will then take part in the London Marathon.

Joining him along his cycle route was childhood friend from Duffryn High School, John Harper, 45, and his son, Rhys Harper, 12, who live in the Midlands.

Before the trio set off, Mr Birchall, said: "I have done long distance cycling before and last year I completed the Cardiff Half Marathon, but never a full marathon, so I thought this would be the ultimate challenge."

He said that he has always wanted to take part in the London Marathon and a year ago came up with the idea of combining it with a cycling challenge.

Since then he has been undertaking training and has been running an 18 mile route at weekends.

The group have chosen to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.

Mr Birchall explained that they chose the charity in memory of a friend who died 29 years ago. The friend's heart was donated and another life was saved.

Before leaving Thursday, the group said they had hoped to cover 70 miles of their journey, with the same distance being covered on Friday.

Today, if all goes to plan, will be a 40 mile journey from Windsor, with Mr Birchall lacing up his running boots for the marathon tomorrow.

He added: "I'm a little nervous about the marathon, especially following three days of cycling and because I have never done a full marathon before.

"It's the biggest challenge that I have ever taken on but I'm determined to complete it."

He said he just hopes to finish the race but added that he would be really happy if he completed it within five hours.

He hopes to raise £2,000 for the charity, with £605 already donated on his just giving page, while Mr Harper has raised £665 for his cycling effort.

To sponsor the team visit www.justgiving.com/teams/yellowhstbhf2015