A HORSE racing enthusiast completed his own physical challenge just hours before the ‘greatest show on turf’ started.
John Reay managed to run seven marathons in seven days around seven British racecourses on a diet of beer, chips and chocolate.
The 37-year-old – who completed his herculean challenge at Stratford Racecourse – raised funds for the Injured Jockeys Fund and the Great North Air Ambulance.
It took John 26 hours and 26 minutes to complete all seven marathons, all of which were completed in under four hours.
John planned on raising funds for the Injured Jockeys Fund since the late JT McNamara suffered life changing injuries at a fall during the 2013 Cheltenham Festival.
His plans were put into action when flat rider Freddy Tylicki was left paralysed from the waist down after suffering a horrendous fall at Kempton Park in October.
Speaking after crossing the line at Stratford, John said: “It’s been the toughest thing I’ve ever done in my life and every part of me hurts.
“There were times that I just wanted to stop running but when I hit the wall I just thought about the likes of Freddy Tylicki who can never run again.
“I’m glad the money we are raising can help the Injured Jockeys Fund and Great North Air Ambulance continue their amazing work.”
During the challenge, John had to consume 6,000 calories a day to keep his energy levels high.
Personal trainer Ian Harkness, who guided John throughout the challenge, said: “I wouldn’t recommend the unusual diet to anyone who isn’t doing a serious endurance event.
“If you exercise enough, you can have those treats like chocolate and chips.”
