FOR many people taking part in a marathon is something most only do a handful of times. But Jim Whitmarsh has run in more marathons in a year than people could even contemplate in their lifetimes and has just completed his 100th marathon 13 years since he first started running in them, raising £25,000 for various charities.

It is because of that feat he has been declared the winner of this month’s Hampshire Heroes award.

The Daily Echo is running the awards in association with bus company First Hampshire and Dorset to honour those who have gone the extra mile for those people in their community – and Jim has gone many extra miles for others.

Jim’s first marathon was in memory of his ten-month-old nephew Michael Rafferty who died of cot death.

“It was a huge shock when Michael died as he had not been a weak or sickly baby and was a very active boy.

“I wouldn’t have made all the friends that I have made, taken part in all the marathons or become a torchbearer if it wasn’t for him,” he said Jim thanked the Daily Echo for being recognised but said he was going to continue doing the marathons and was going to take part in the Duchy Marathon in Cornwall before reaching his 100th marathon with Eastleigh Running Club which he joined a few years ago.

Dervla McKay, general manager for First in Hampshire and Dorset said: “For many of us running one marathon in a lifetime would be an incredible achievement, so to be approaching your hundredth event, having run 49 marathons in the past three years alone, is amazing.

“The work Jim has done raising money for charity and keeping the memory of his nephew alive is also fantastic.

“There is no doubt that the £25,000 that he's raised will have helped to transform the lives of many people and for this reason alone Jim is a very deserving Hampshire Hero. Well done!”