A FITNESS addict who has completed more than 100 marathons will tomorrow take part in the Great North Run to raise funds for prostate cancer.

John Allan, 57, from Springburn, has finished the London Marathon five times, two 36 mile ultra-marathons and taken part in a relay from John O'Groats to Land's End.

A driver with First Glasgow based in Blantyre, he took up running during his 11 years in full-time service with the Territorial Army.

John said: “I’ve run since my days in the military as back then we used to run a marathon every week. Now it’s a way to keep fit and active, particularly when I’m sitting down for most of the day at work.

"Of all the runs I’ve taken part in, the Great North Run is particularly important for me as a way to raise awareness about the risks and symptoms of prostate cancer among men and vital funds for PCUK.

“My half marathon personal best is 1hr 34mins but that was quite a few years ago. I’m not sure I’ll get anywhere near that this weekend, but I’m certainly aiming to enjoy the occasion.

"My advice for anyone looking to take up running is to start out small but get out regularly. You’ll soon get the bug!”

John also has preparation tip for those looking to challenge themselves over longer distances.

He said: “You have to prepare yourself, and your body, properly - even down to changing what you eat.. I always carb-load in the days before and I always have a pot of jam before a big race – the sugar boost can work wonders.”

On Sunday, around 56,000 runners will make their way across the Tyne Bridge and on to South Shields to raise money for their favourite charities.

Margaret Mayer, business director (Lanarkshire) for First Glasgow, said: “John regularly encourages others to keep fit, particularly among other First drivers who have quite a sedentary job.

“Running the distances he does is no mean feat and everyone at our Blantyre bus depot will be right behind him this weekend.

"The Prostate Cancer UK team has been in to talk to the drivers, engineers and other staff about the symptoms and risks and it's certainly brought home to them the vital work of the charity and First will be looking to match what John raises.”

ProstateCancer UK is First’s new ‘Charity of Choice’ and the firm hopes to raise around £1million for men affected by prostate cancer over the next three years.