A FARMER from Rockhampton is leaving the tractor at home as he prepares to run an ultra marathon.

Unlike the traditional 26-mile marathon, Rob Watkins, 39, will next month being running 44 miles non-stop.

Mr Watkins will be making the trek to raise money for charity in memory of his mother-in-law Pam Freeman, who died earlier this year.

With every stride he takes on June 27 Mr Watkins, who is a member of Thornbury Running Club, hopes to raise money for the Heart of Bristol Appeal, a charity that means a lot to him.

"My mother-in-law passed away in February and she had treatment at the Bristol Royal Infirmary.

"They gave excellent support and our experience with them has inspired me to do something to help the cause.

"The hospital wants to build a new facility to help other people like Pam," said Mr Watkins.

The Heart of Bristol Appeal is raising money for a new Bristol Heart Institute currently under construction behind the Bristol Royal Infirmary.

Mr Watkins hopes to raise £1,000 by running the marathon and sponsorship is going well having already reached the £500 mark.

The ultra marathon, which is 18 miles longer than a normal marathon, will take Mr Watkins around the Cornish coastline from Lizard Point to Lands End.

Mr Watkins, who is due to be a dad for the first time in October, is now training hard ready for the run, which is being held on Saturday, June 27.

In fact the event will be his third marathon this year. In February he ran his first ever marathon along the south Devon coast, his second marathon was last month along the north Devon coast and Exmoor, which included over 7,500 feet of climbing.

"I’ve done a bit of mountain biking before, a few events with that, but I only took up running last year. But with any luck I should be able to complete the course," said Mr Watkins.

The ultra marathon is organised by Endurancelife, one of the fastest growing adventure sports company in the UK.

To show your support and sponsor Mr Watkins visit www.justgiving.com/robwatkins1