HE is renowned for a voracious appetite and an insatiable sweet tooth.

But one of the most iconic characters on children’s television will show his healthier side when he visits Hampshire.

The Cookie Monster will taking to his marks twice at the Associated British Ports (ABP) Southampton Half Marathon.

It will be a double-choc-chip moment when the Sesame Street character demonstrates his hunger for competition by running both the 13.1-mile course and its sister 10km route.

The man behind the mask is Carlo Van Leeuwen, who is competing in at least seven major races in the outfit.

The father-of-two from Southampton is running in memory of his father, who died from Motor Neurone Disease two years ago.

During the later stages of the illness his dad lost his voice and could only speak with the help of a computer.

Carlo, who lives in Southampton, said: “When my daughter Annika first heard the voice she thought it was the Cookie Monster!

“Since then I’ve decided to run in [the costume] to raise awareness of the condition.”

The 33-year-old has already completed the Great South Run in the costume and raised nearly £1,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MDA).

Now he will be spurred on by friends and family and the sight of passing St Mary’s Stadium where the avid Saints fan first met his wife Lucy in 2001 in a clash with Arsenal.

The under-floor heating fitter said: “It’s going to test me.

“I’ve never run this far and it can be quite hot wearing it.

“But once you start running and the buzz and adrenaline starts going you forget that you have it on.

“I am a really big Saints fan so I am looking forward to it.”

Up to 6,000 people will be taking part in the race on Sunday, April 26, on the same day as the London Marathon.

It starts in Hoglands Park, passing The Bargate, The Common and both universities on its way to the finish line at Guildhall Square.

The run, being organised by Marafun UK and sponsored by Associated British Ports (ABP), will also raise thousands of pounds for local and national charities.

Half marathon entry is £31.99 and its £21.99 for the 10km route.

Sign up at Marafunuk.com.

Sponsor Carlo at justgiving.com/CarlovanLeeuwen.