Runner targets rare Triple Crown at London Marathon

"Mrs H" - as she's known - is a librarian at New Hall School in Chelmsford [John Fairhall/BBC] A 54-year-old ultra-marathon runner who had breast cancer says it is her ultimate ambition to complete the 100 Marathon Club challenge of the "Triple Crown". Apryl Hammett, who works as a librarian at New Hall School in Chelmsford, will tick off her 100th road race at Sunday's London Marathon. She has already completed more than 100 trail versions and 100 ultra-marathons, since she took up running 25 years ago.

"It has got harder as I have got a little bit older, but the target has kept me going, and I am almost there," she said. Sunday's race will be Apryl's 465th marathon since she took up running 25 years ago [John Fairhall/BBC] Hammett, who is running in aid of the Alzheimer's Society after a close family member was diagnosed with dementia, said she took up running originally to lose weight. "After I had finished breastfeeding my last daughter, I carried on eating too much.

I was very overweight and something had to be done, as it was going to affect my health," she said. "I had a choice — either go on a diet or take up exercise. " Apryl said she had a friend who recommended a pair of running shoes for her and she never looked back.

On Sunday, she will take part in her 465th marathon race (which includes road, trail and ultra-marathons). She said she would love to make it to 500 before she considers hanging up her running shoes. "Road marathons are harder, particularly as you get older," she said.