TRAINING to run in his first half marathon in October is Sam Lund-Harket (25), who recently graduated from University after studying architecture and who grew up in Crediton.

Sam is running in the Royal Parks Half Marathon on Sunday, October 11, choosing the 13.1 mile half marathon to raise funds for People and Planet.

Sam attended Hayward's School, then Queen Elizabeth's Community College and Exeter College, going on to Oxford Brookes University to study Architecture. He worked for a time between college and uni at The Green House in Crediton and only recently started running.

"At the moment I can run five miles-ish, and that takes me about an hour!" he says, asking local people to wish him luck.

He explains that People and Planet is the largest student network in Britain campaigning to end world poverty, defend human rights and protect the environment. Sam was part of the P and P Group at Oxford Brookes.

The charity supports school, college and university students to take action on issues they care about such as climate change. It has helped to get AIDS treatment to three million people and supported more than 70 universities to get Fairtrade status, which has massively increased demand for Fairtrade products.

"This charity is close to my heart," explained Sam. "Doing this run is partly to thank the People and Planet staff who put in a lot of overtime and who are so dedicated. It will help them keep up the amazing work."

To sponsor Sam people should go to http://www.justgiving.com">www.justgiving.com . When site comes up, enter Sam's name. Sam's family still live and work in Crediton. His sister, Becky, is the Crediton Courier advertising manager.

This is the second Royal Parks Half Marathon, starting and ending in Hyde Park, the route runs across four of the eight Royal Parks - Hyde Park, St James's Park, Kensington Gardens and Green Park.

Runners will also take in some of London's most historic landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, Marble Arch and the Royal Albert Hall.

The run is held in partnership with Brakes and as part of this year's half marathon, the Royal Parks Foundation and Brakes are promoting the benefits of Fresh Air Fitness in a bid to encourage people to make use of their local parks and outdoor spaces.