Six are set for drink and walk marathon

8:45am Monday 4th August 2008

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Six men from Keighley are preparing to take on the London Marathon - with an alcoholic twist.

The regulars from the Boltmakers Arms in the town have decided to walk the 26-plus-mile route for Manorlands hospice, stopping for a drink in every pub along the way.

The task has never been attempted before and the walkers think combining the two activities will prove a challenge.

One of the six, Peter Wowk, said: "It's not been the easiest event to train for. I'm sure we can all drink well enough and I'm fairly positive we can walk the distance, but I'm not sure how easy it's going to be to combine the two. We don't think it's ever been done before, but then no one as stupid as us has ever attempted it."

Mr Wowk will be joined by Mark Housely, Peter Wadding-ton, Mark McHugh and brothers Mark and Andrew Lodge on the mission. During the marathon they will pass more than 80 pub, and they plan to drink half a pint in every one.

Mr Wowk said: "Because it has never been done before we don't know how realistic it is. We might have to drink water or juice in some of them.

"The logistics are a nightmare - for example, there are 32 boozers between miles three and nine. Allowing 15 minutes per boozer, that's eight hours."

The group set out on their journey tomorrow and will be back in the Boltmakers Arms at around 5.30pm on Monday, where they have invited locals to join them for a celebration drink.

If you wish to sponsor them, visit justgiving.com/peterwowk.