Sports Features

Ultra-runner Jackson Williams will attempt to enter the record books in July 2008 by running from Lands End to John O'Groats in aid of Norfolk charities.

The self-imposed challenge comes just months after the Norwich athlete completed a gruelling 3,086 mile run across the USA.

The former boxer, who was once an opponent of Amir Khan, will need to complete the run across the UK within nine days and two hours to secure his title as a record breaker.

"In order to succeed in my next challenge I'll have to work at 100 per cent and no less," said Jackson.

"This challenge is like no other, and that's why it's more difficult to break world records. Life is far too short not to challenge your body to it's ultimate limits."

After spending weeks away from home to run coast-to-coast across America in 2007, 26-year-old Williams is keen this record breaking attempt could be done without the need to be to far away from his family.

"The challenge is keeping me closer to home this time as I can't be away from my family for over three months like when running across America," he said on his official website.

"I came to the conclusion the run wouldn't be hard if keeping the same pace that I ran in America, so I have decided on challenging my body even further and aim to break the world running record," he added.

Williams, a tutor at Norwich City College, will be joined on his attempt by fellow ultra-marathon runner Mimi Anderson. She will be attempting to break the women's record after injury halted a previous attempt last year.