SKIPTON'S Sam Boatwright is preparing for his biggest and most gruelling challenge to date – running and cycling across a large chunk of the USA between two of its most famous cities.

Endurance man Sam shot to fame in 2015 when he ran 50 miles a day for 50 consecutive days around the UK coastline, covering 2,500 miles in total and raising £16,500 for his chosen charity Help for Heroes. He became widely known as the 'Epic Runner.'

Now, the 34-year-old secondary school teacher and personal trainer is gearing up for his latest epic, a month-long 3,000 mile combined run and cycle marathon from New York to Los Angeles in July.

Combining two of his passions, he will start in the Big Apple on July 24, running 50 miles one day, then cycling 100 miles the next, taking in Philadelphia, Chicago and on to LA via the renowned Route 66. He plans to finish on August 24.

Sam, who teaches in Bradford at St Bedes and St Josephs Catholic College, is already hard in training for his heroic Stateside slog, undertaking Spinning Classes twice a day, Kettlebell classes and strength work in the gym. Weekends are saved for distance running and bike rides.

He has launched a sponsorship drive to help cover costs, as well as raise more much-needed cash for Help for Heroes, which supports ex-servicemen and women who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses while serving our country.

Sam has set a fund-raising target of £10,000 and has to date raised some £1,000, chiefly thanks to early support from four Skipton-based business - Skipton Ford and Mazda, Nettleton Garden Centre, Bodental and Althams Travel.

“It’s been a promising start, but we’ve still got some way to go," said Sam.

"I had fantastic support for my Epic Run from so many generous businesses, organisations, family, friends and members of the public at large. I can’t thank them enough and am hoping they and others will once again rally round and support the latest cause. The challenge is, of course, ultimately for Help for Heroes.”

Several sponsorship packages are available, with full details available from Sam on 07734 445648, email sam_boatz@hotmail.com His website is samboatright.com while further information is at epicrun – facebook, @samboatwright1 – Twitter, and @epicrunningsam - Instagram . Donations can also be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sam-Boatwright1