He embarked on the Couch to 5k programme just two years ago and is now an ultra runner. 

Chris Wilby, a driver trainer instructor at One Stop Stores’ distribution centre in Nursling, is taking on an incredible challenge to raise money for Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association.

Chris, who has worked at One Stop for ten years, will be running from the corner shop firm's distribution centre to 17 different stores across Hampshire, eventually finishing at the 18th store on Hayling Avenue in Portsmouth.

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The challenge, which is set to take place on Saturday (September 16), will total 37 miles, across towns and villages in south Hampshire, including Titchfield and Fareham. 

Customers and staff at One Stop Hayling Avenue have already raised £2,250 for the award-winning charity, which helps improve the lives of children and families, and Chris is hoping to add hundreds to their impressive tally. 

Daily Echo: Chris Wilby after a previous race

He told the Daily Echo: "I’m very excited to take on my challenge of running between 18 One Stop stores for the Portsmouth DSA.

"I’m currently recovering from a previous event and working on getting the mileage back into my legs by training as much as possible. I hope to raise as much as I can for this important cause!"

Despite only returning to running a little over two years ago with the intention of completing the Couch to 5K programme, Chris soon realised he had been missing out on an activity he really enjoyed – so he joined Portsmouth Joggers.

Since then, Chris has ran 5K, 10K, half marathons and more. He was then introduced to trail and ultra running – running anything that goes beyond a traditional marathon distance!

Having completed a 50 mile and a 100K ultra this year, Chris decided he would like to use his love of running to raise much needed funds for the Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association.

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