A WOMAN from Quenington is getting ready to join 36,000 other runners next month in the world famous London Marathon.

Sharon Baldwin, who works as a racing secretary alongside trainer Fergal O’Brien, will take part in the epic 26.2 mile race around the capital in aid of the Countryside Alliance Foundation.

The 56-year-old said: “The countryside is, and always has been, very close to my heart. I love all country sports.”

A keen member of Cirencester’s Running Somewhere Else club, she has taken part in a number of half marathons and 10k runs but has, so far, never attempted the full 26 miles.

Writing on her JustGiving blog, Sharon, who has ridden in numerous point-to-points, said: “I have always run but lately have taken to competing in a few races and now feel it is the time to do something big.

“The challenge of running a marathon has always been a goal of mine,” she added.

Sharon, who hopes to raise £2,000 for the cause, will take on the challenge alongside six other runners who are running in aid of the Countryside Alliance.

The charity was set up to reconnect people with the countryside through an increased education on all things rural.

For more information and details of how to sponsor Sharon, visit www.justgiving.com/sharon-baldwin3.