AN ENTERPRISING marathon runner who failed to get a place on this year s Virgin London Marathon has decided to set up his own. Tony Stevens, 61, has run the marathon for the past 20 years in support of The Daneford Trust, a charity based in Bethnal Green.

AN ENTERPRISING marathon runner who failed to get a place on this year's Virgin London Marathon has decided to set up his own.

Tony Stevens, 61, has run the marathon for the past 20 years in support of The Daneford Trust, a charity based in Bethnal Green.

When he missed out on a place in this year's official marathon, he teamed up with his cousin Steve Nash, 33, to run their own 26 mile race on April 24, following the exact route of the London Marathon from Greenwich Park to Buckingham Palace.

He said: "I was very disappointed not to find a place, the second time in nineteen years. However, we were determined to support the trust in these difficult times and so we decided to do our own.

"It's true we won't have the great crowds to cheer us on or the drink stops, clear roads and medals - but we will have a great time and many friends will be following us."

The event will also mark 40 years of Mr Stevens' work with young people in

Tower Hamlets.

He and Mr Nash hope to raise at least �4,000 in sponsorship for The Daneford Trust, which works with young people in London, Africa, Asia and The Caribbean.

Visit www.justgiving.com/danefordmarathon2010