AN OTLEY runner has warmed up for his second fundraising race of the year by completing an Irish half-marathon.

Danny Cooney completed a marathon in Cork, Ireland on June 6 and will attempt the Dublin Marathon on October 30 before tackling the Lanzarote International on December 10.

His 3 Marathons for 3 Charities challenge is in support of Martin House Children's Hospice, the HCPT (Handicapped Children Pilgrimage Trust) 198 Otley Group, and the St Vincent de Paul Society.

He is also making a personal donation to Irishretrieverrescue.com, an Irish charity that rescues and rehomes abandoned and neglected family dogs.

Last Saturday, September 24, Danny took on the SSE Airtricity Half Marathon in Phoenix Park, Dublin - and was happy to finish in 311th place out of a strong field of 7,000 runners.

He said: "It was my first half marathon and very competitive with some really good Irish and international club athletes, and it should help me in getting ready to come back here and finish the second marathon before Lanzarote in December.

"Hopefully by the end of the year we will have raised something worthwhile for these great charities and the hard work they do."

He also has a number of social events lined up before the end of the year, including a 5K fun run that will start from the Yorkshire Runner, on Bondgate, Otley at 11am on Sunday, November 6.

Open to all, the day will include free coffee and a chance to win some running gear.

Shop owner Tim Aga said: "We are really pleased to get behind Danny's fundraising and, at the same time, encourage more local people to take up running and enjoy this great sport."

Then on Saturday, November 26 the Manor House pub will be hosting a live music event featuring Joe and Anne Gallagher, along with a raffle sponsored by Sainsbury's.

Finally, after all three marathons are complete, a fundraising party featuring music from Keiren Fox and DJ Luka Taylor and hot food will be held at Korks Wine Bar on Saturday, January 21

Tickets for that event will go on sale at the Yorkshire Runner and Sainsbury's Otley from December 1, and cost £7 or two for £10.