COMMITTED runner Matt Cordas is half way through a year-long challenge that will see him run more than five kilometres every day for charity.

Matt Cordas, 19, who works in Cirencester. has run at least five kilometres every day since New Year's Day and will keep on doing so until New Year's Eve in less than six months time.

When his challenge is complete on 31 December this year, he will have run more than 2,000km; the equivalent of running from Cirencester to Rome.

He is overjoyed to have reached the half way point this month but admitted the everyday activity is starting to tire out his muscles.

"It's going well but its getting tougher," said Matt. "The distance is fine but it's so tiring on my legs. The kind messages I receive and the sponsorships make it worth while though."

Matt works at St James' Place Wealth Management in Cirencester and is looking to raise £5,000 for the company's charity, which supports hundreds of projects that benefit children and young people.

He originally started out with a fundraising target of £2,014 but has already smashed his total and has so far raised more than £3,700.

"I could not imagine getting half way when I started in January," said Matt. "It was tough back then knowing I had 11 months ahead, but now I only have six left. It'll be great looking back at the end on a whole year of running."

Matt, who lives with his parents in Swindon, has found himself running faster throughout his challenge and even secured first place in a charity run at Lydiard Park. He often runs around his hometown or on his lunch breaks through Cirencester Park.

"I just got back from a holiday in Crete and was running there in 30 degree heat," added Matt. "I got some funny looks from the locals but it was good preparation for the weather now."

Matt has just under six months to go until his challenge is complete. He said he has not thought much about what he wants to do next but would like to complete a few long races, such as marathons and half-marathons.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Matt can do so by visiting justgiving.com/matt-cordas-365days