AFTER running along deserted lanes and tracks for almost four hours he has dubbed it the New Forest Lockdown Marathon.

Graeme Staddon, who aims to complete 12 marathons in as many months, changed his plans to meet the requirements of social distancing regulations imposed in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Graeme, 51, had been due to run from the Vitality Stadium - home of Bournemouth FC - to St Mary's Stadium in Southampton.

But he stayed closer to home to comply with the rule which states that people taking part in their daily exercise session must do so without going anywhere by car.

Graeme completed a circular course which started and finished at his house in Thorney Hill, near Bransgore.

He was supported by three members of his family, who took it it turns to cycle part of the route while keeping at least two metres away from anyone they encountered.

Graeme completed the run in 3hr 47min after negotiating six fords, five gates and three cattle grids.

He said: "We need to stay at home and can only go out for essential journeys such as shopping for food, going to work, if you can't work from home, and exercising once a day - on your own or with your family.

"With that in mind, this month's marathon started and finished from home and was supported only by my family.

"Izzy, Toby and Elly Staddon did the marathon too - in a relay on bikes. Apart from quite a bit of hip pain it couldn't have been a nicer family morning out.

"I kept to the most remote roads and paths I could - in fact for the first hour-and-a-half I only saw two cars."

Barring any further restrictions on social activity Graeme aims to continue running a marathon a month until the end of the year.

As reported in the Daily Echo, he is raising funds for two charities which are close to his heart, Prostate Cancer UK and Breast Cancer Care.

His father-in-law, Tony Rest, a chemistry professor at Southampton University, died of prostate cancer in 2016 aged 73.

The following year his father, John Staddon, 79, was diagnosed with breast cancer - a rare condition in men - and had to have an operation.

Graeme has already raised more than £1,000. To donate go online and visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GraemeStaddon.