As if the Le Mans 24 Hours wasn’t enough of a challenge, Chacombe racing driver Darren Turner is taking on another of the world’s toughest endurance races this year: the London Marathon.

This is a whole new experience for Turnerwho has never entered a road race before, but he has a good idea of what lies ahead of him.

“I think this is going to be painful,” he said. “But it’s on the list of things that I’ve always wanted to do so I decided to crack on and do it! I’m running for the Motor Neurone Disease Association; doing it for a friend whose father passed away from MND.

"It’s also a great way to make sure I’m in top-top shape for racing the Aston Martin LMP1 car this year.”

Turner has been getting a few tips from his friend and fellow sportscar racer, Ollie Gavin, who is a regular marathon runner.

“Ollie has given me a few pointers,” said Turner. “He’s going for a sub three hours run so I don’t think I’ll be keeping up with him. He’s had a lot more practice than me though! My training is going well and I’m getting closer to a full race distance now but I think I’ll treat this like Le Mans; take it steady and be there at the finish. I just hope it doesn’t take me 24 hours!”

The 2009 London Marathon takes place on Sunday, April 26. Anyone who would like to sponsor Darren can do so at www.justgiving.com/dtlondonmarathon