A KEEN runner has encouraged other people to get out there, praising the wonders it has done for his mental health.

Matthew Friend, who lives in Dovercourt, will be running the equivalent of a marathon during laps around Harwich.

It’s all part of a team effort as his girlfriend Aimee Surman-Wells will be cycling alongside to ensure he keeps hydrated.

The 28-year-old joined Harwich Runners in 2018 and has been left frustrated at marathon cancellations due to the pandemic.

He has now encouraged others to get out there and exercise to help boost wellbeing.

He said: “The last two times I’ve tried to train for a marathon they have unfortunately been called off due to the pandemic.

“The problem is when you train for a long time it is a bit disheartening when you’re 15 weeks into a plan and then it’s cancelled, so I thought I’d utilise my training to do something great.

“I know the importance of exercise for your wellbeing, I use running as a coping mechanism to clear my mind and I would encourage anyone out there struggling to get moving in any shape or form – it helps.

“I could be at work all day and when I finish my mind might have a million things going around it, but I’ll go for a run and when I come back I’m absolutely fine.

Gazette: Matthew's girlfriend Aimee will be keeping him hydratedMatthew's girlfriend Aimee will be keeping him hydrated

“There’s no difference between working life and home life at the moment which a lot of people have struggled with while working from home.

“I end up spending a lot of time in my room when your social interaction is limited you can’t help slowly feeling more down.

“I know a lot of people find it hard to get out and exercise, they see it as something which is torturous and not something that’s good for you.

“My aim of doing this is to show, while maybe the distance isn’t for everyone, we can all start moving around a bit more.”

Matthew is hoping to run the London Marathon this year, which, if he gets a sub two-hour 40-minute time, will set him up for entry to the Abbott World Marathon Majors Event which covers six runs across the globe.

For each event he hopes to raise money for a different charity.

The Harwich marathon will begin on March 27 and will start at the top of Saturday in Dovercourt, continuing for two loops of the towns and finishing along the beach near the swimming pool.

Details for the London Marathon fundraiser will be shared later.