A sports reporter is swapping the newsroom for New York later this year when he runs the city’s famous marathon.

Jon Palmer, Cheltenham Town FC reporter with Northcliffe’s Gloucestershire Media titles, completed the London Marathon four years ago and is returning for a second bite of the cherry in the Big Apple.

As a mark of how seriously he’s taking his training, the 29-year-old enlisted the help of local Olympic runner Dan Robinson before he jetted off to Beijing last month.

Jon told HoldtheFrontPage: “Training’s going very well. I’m running around ten miles at the moment, building up to 13 and then I’ll do a couple of 20-mile runs in October.

“I’m running for the Orchid Cancer Appeal which does research into all forms of male cancer. I chose them as I think it’s one that can really make a difference.”

Jon (left) is put through his paces by Team GB Olympic
marathon runner Dan Robinson

Jon is hoping to raise £1,500 for the charity and, in the meantime, is praying an old back problem suffered in London doesn’t rear its ugly head again.

“It was one of the best days of my life and I’ve wanted to do another marathon but I injured my back,” he added.

“It took me a while to get over that but everything seems alright now.

“I always wanted to do New York – it’s a much bigger challenge than London because it’s a bit more hilly and you go through the five boroughs. I am confident I can get round in about four hours.”