WITH 290 kilometres down and 40 kilometres to go, a Colcot man is heading towards the finishing line of an incredible Movember challenge.

Rhodri Thomas has not just committed to growing a moustache this November but has gone the extra mile - or more accurately the extra 205 miles - and taken on the task of running 10k every single day for the whole of November.

Not only that, but the 37-year-old father of two also threw in a half marathon on day 22 for good measure.

Next week will see Mr Thomas entering the home straight of his challenge which he hopes will raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK, the charity he also works for.

He is running 10k every day to mark the 10,000 men who die as a result of prostate cancer each years and trying to reach a total of 330k - the extra miles being totted up via the Conwy Half Marathon - in reference to the 330,000 men who are currently suffering with the disease in the UK.

Although he has some running experience, he took on the London Marathon two years ago, Mr Thomas admitted that this challenge is a tough one.

"This is the hardest thing I've ever done," he said. "I really started feeling it during the second week and after doing it every day for three weeks, I wasn't looking forward to the marathon. My legs could do with a bit of a rest now and the idea of a day off sounds great but it's all for a good cause so that keeps me going."

Mr Thomas has been running 10km across Barry Island - mostly from the Knap to Jackson's Bay and back - after and sometimes before work as well as joining the Barry Island Parkrunners on weekends.

The recent weather has often seen Rhodri battling storms in his quest to hit 10k every day.

Mr Thomas, who lives in Whitefarm with his wife, four-year-old son and two-year -ld daughter, said: "The runs before work have been hard going, it's really hard to get yourself motivated. Also running on Barry Island in the bad weather is not too pleasant at all."

Mr Thomas is running on behalf of the Movember Foundation and Prostate Cancer UK. Movember this year includes the MOVE initiative encouraging people to get physically active and make a commitment to improve their health while raising funds.

James Beeby, director of Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “This year not only will we see more facial hair around the office, but staff will be getting physical too. The commitment Rhodri has pledged will help make a real difference in furthering the fight against prostate cancer."

To sponsor Mr Thomas visit http://mobro.co/rhodrithomas118