Fay Cunningham and Emma Petrie to smash running record by completing 106 marathons in 106 days

A duo are set to smash a world marathon record in a bid to raise money for charity, by completing 106 marathons in 106 days.

Fay Cunningham, 35, and Emma Petrie, 26, tackled the current world record, which stood at 104 in 100 days, in support of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The pair, who are both personal trainers, are set to complete their 106th marathon in 106 days on Saturday in their hometown of Aboyne, Aberdeenshire.

If they successfully complete the run, they will become the record holders for completing the most consecutive marathons.

Fay and Emma are raising money for MND and cancer charities.

The determined duo hope to raise £100,000 in memory of Fay’s father, Alan, who died of MND, and Emma’s mum, Jan, who passed away from cancer.

Reflecting on the challenge, Fay said: “It is all a bit surreal really, we can’t get our heads around the fact we have been running a marathon every day since February 19, but we are certainly looking forward to a rest day.

“We’re both very much aware of how short life can be and the ability to run or walk doesn’t always stay with you forever. Before our parents’ respective illnesses, they were fit, active people and were instrumental in who we are today.”

Emma added: “This journey has taught us that the body is incredible and our message of ‘do it while you can’ helped us push through each day knowing we have the opportunity to do this.

“One of the most incredible parts of this whole challenge has been having the time to chat to people and pass the miles together, it really is a team effort, and the support has been unbelievable.”

Regional fundraiser for the MND Association, Dominic McDonough, said: “Having followed Fay and Em throughout their challenge we have been astounded by their strength and determination.

“Running a marathon every single day is incredible and they have faced it all with a smile. The money and awareness they have raised will help countless people living with MND and we are so proud of them.”