A MARATHON runner has completed a 170-mile trek to raise money for charity.

Brian Gabriel, distribution director at Aviva, ran seven-and-a-half marathons over five days to raise money for his firm’s chosen charity, the Railway Children.

Brian, 46, who has completed the London Marathon twice before, said: “It was harder than I ever imagined but I am pleased I have done something I didn’t know I was able to do and that we have raised the money for charity.”

The father-of-two set himself a target to raise £3,000, but now hopes to top £4,300.

The Railway Children aims to change the lives of children living on the streets in the UK, India and East Africa.

Brian, who is based in London, set off from Norwich before running to Kings Lynn, Boston, Caistor and Market Weighton before arriving outside the Aviva offices, in York on Monday to finish his ultra-marathon.