AN INTREPID runner hit a snag in his effort to run 56 miles in less than 36 hours - the first in a series of charity challenges that will span the next year.

Andrew James Smith, a Headington RoadRunner member who works at Oxford University, embarked on the ambitious Thames Path challenge for African Children’s Fund.

The 34-year old from Kidlington began the run at Windsor Castle last month with the intention of reaching the Thames Barrier the following day.

But despite an impressive start for the first weekend challenge he was stopped just short of his goal due to injury.

He said: “I managed to make it from Windsor Castle to the Houses of Parliament, which totalled 43 miles in total.

“At that point I was too injured to continue, with a thigh strain, swollen ankle and pulled calf.

“It was a fantastic experience however, and we are aiming to finish the remaining 13 miles at the earliest opportunity.

“The total raised so far, including gift aid, is now over £500, which is very humbling.”

Mr Smith has vowed to complete the inaugural challenge once his injury has healed.

The run is the first in a series of races he will endure to reach his fundraising target of £1,000 for the charity.

His next challenges will include the Goring 10k, the Oxford Town and Gown 10k and the Oxford Mail and Chiltern League Cross Country.

Mr Smith has been running since 2011 when he was first persuaded by a work colleague to take part in the Blenheim 7k run, and has since stepped up to complete a number of 10k races, half marathons and two full marathons.

He also plans to run the London and Berlin marathons next year to form the culmination of his one-year challenge.

African Children’s Fund is an Oxfordshire based charity with shops at Witney, Faringdon, Grove and Lechlade that helps children in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe go to school.

Speaking of the importance of the charity Mr Smith said: “Africa's children need an education if Africa is to prosper.

“These children yearn to learn. We can help fulfil that yearning - lifting them and their communities out of poverty.

“The problems can be awful. The solutions are not rocket science.

“With your help and the children's courage, education, opportunities and hope for the future can be achieved."

For each £1 donated, 14 bowls of porridge can be provided to those in need.

For each £5, a girl can have access to all that she needs to have a safe and valuable education.

A fundraising page has been set up to raise funds for the charity as part of the run http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TeamACFandrew