FRANK Gilroy isn't one to run away from a challenge.

The physiotherapist, who raises money for Glasgow's Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice, broke a world record earlier this year when he ran the London Marathon dressed as the centre's mascot, Harvey.

Now he's going for another world record attempt in Glasgow tomorrow when he will run the half marathon in the Great Scottish Run, again dressed as Harvey, in a bid to beat the current time of one hour and 46 minutes.

He said: "I've just kept on training since London.

"I run with Bellahouston Harriers and usually do about 40 to 50 miles a week. I'm feeling great. I also do ultra marathons, so I'm ready for this."

The costume weighs about half a stone and Frank has been training by carrying a backpack - as well as going out in the Harvey costume in Pollok Park and around the South Side.

He said he is hoping for fine weather as wind and rain could be a problem.

He said: "Harvey isn't very aerodynamic.

"I've got four or five people who will run in front of me to protect me if the weather is bad. I'm looking for more - if anyone else wants to help, we need as many runners we can get."

So far, the efforts of Frank and his Team Cy-Run has raised more than £75,000 for the hospice's Brick by Brick Appeal, backed by the Evening Times, to build a new facility on a site at Bellahouston Park.

To learn more or to make a donation, visit www.ppwh.org.uk/brickbybrick, call 0141 429 9861 or email brickbybrick@ppwh.org.uk.

Meanwhile, Ian Beattie, vice chairman of Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) will run his 100th half marathon at the Great Scottish Run. He hopes to follow that with his 100th marathon/ultra-marathon, in Las Vegas.

angela.mcmanus@eveningtimes.co.uk