A runner is taking on the Herculean task of conquering ten marathons in the space of ten consecutive days.

Karl Olley, who is a member of Beccles and Bungay Harriers running club, has been running the 26.2-mile Bungay Marathon route every day since Friday, April 5.

His exhausting efforts will come to a close this Sunday, April 14, when he runs the official Bungay marathon as part of the Bungay Festival of Running.

Along the way, the 33-year-old is raising funds and awareness for Operation Smile, which supports those born with a cleft lip or cleft palate across the globe.

Among the hundreds of thousands treated for cleft lip are Mr Olley’s brother-in-law and mother-in-law, inspiring him to support a charity which has provided more than 240,000 free surgeries since 1982.

“When you hear all the stories about the difficulties families go through dealing with cleft palates, you really start to understand how brave these people are,” said Mr Olley, from Beccles.

“If I can help in any way possible to end somebody’s suffering it’s definitely 100pc worth it. Operation Smile do such brilliant work and who wouldn’t want play a small part in changing someone’s life for the better?”

Mr Olley has been training for the challenge for nine months with weekly Harriers training sessions, long solo runs and strength sessions, while he has also received guidance from Performance 4 Sport and Seasons Health Club.

Having generated a significant following, he has so far been supported during the run by cyclists and fellow runners providing supplies, advice and plenty of motivation.

Bungay Black Dogs have even opened up their running club every day as a base for Mr Olley to enjoy much-needed food and drink at the end of each run.

“I’m going to achieve this feat with the help and support of my family and friends, along with the fantastic folks at Beccles and Bungay Harriers who are always giving me great advice and encouragement,” added Mr Olley.

“The training has been relentless to get into the position to complete the 10 marathons, but it will all be absolutely worth it come the end of April.”

To show your support for Mr Olley’s efforts, you can donate by visiting his Just Giving page.