A FATHER took inspiration from his son to take on a nocturnal running challenge.

Hereford's Mark Radon ran the Midnight Mountain Marathon on Saturday to raise money for the National Autistic Society.

Mr Radon ran 26 miles over the Brecon Beacons, tackling streams, forests and even part of the ‘Fan Dance’, a route undertaken by British Special Forces in their selection process.

“I didn't quite hit my five-hour "Gold" target time”, Mr Radon said.

"But I did complete the Midnight Mountain Marathon in 5 hrs 19 mins so I am one happy boy overall!”

Mr Radon’s run raised £1,100 for the Hereford Branch of the National Autistic Society, an organisation dedicated to supporting autistic individuals as well as their families and carers. Mr Radon credits his son, Jack, as his inspiration.

He added: “Until Jacko, I never understood what autism was and it was only through Jacko did I really learn the true meaning of life … that you can achieve anything in [life] if you apply yourself to it!”