TONIGHT Jack Short and Tom Tayler will run 26 miles in relay to raise money for St Helena Hospice and young footballers.

For most, running two-mile stints up and down United Way from the Weston Homes Community Stadium would be daunting enough, but for Jack and Tom it will just be the first of 52 weekly fundraising fitness challenges.

They include the London Marathon, a 69-mile run along Hadrian’s Wall, a ten-hour five-aside football match and a host of obstacle courses and other marathons.

Personal trainer Jack said the feat he was least looking forward to tackling was a 24-hour rowathon, adding: “We eat well, we both play football and we’re very active.

“But we’re still normal guys at the same time, so it’s going to be pretty testing.”

Jack and Tom, both 23, play for Sunday league side Iceni Wanderers and came up with the idea after climbing Mount Snowdon to raise money for the club’s under-16s.

Tom, who works in Colchester United’s ticket office, is also matchday co-ordinator at the stadium and enlisted Jack’s help.

The final event, in October 2014, will be the Snowdonia Marathon – billed as the toughest and most picturesque 26-mile race in the UK.

Money raised will be split between St Helena Hospice and the club’s youth teams.

Jack said: “The hospice does a lot of work and a lot of people on the team hold them quite close.

“They’ve also done quite a lot for some friends of my family.”

To support them, visit justgiving.com/Jack-Short1