PLAYING 90 minutes of football is not the ideal preparation for one of the world’s biggest running challenges, but that was what one Stourbridge player had to endure last weekend.

After playing the entire game for The Glassboys in their defeat to Salford City on Saturday, Leon Broadhurst was running the streets of the capital less than 24 hours later, as he took part in the London Marathon.

The record-breaking midfielder, who has made more than 600 appearances for the club, finished the 26.2 mile run alongside his wife Emma in a very respectable time of four hours and 48 seconds.

Leon told the News: “It was a really good day, we did well and were able to do quite a good time.

“We had done a lot of training for it, but it was still much harder than we anticipated.

“Emma unfortunately pulled a calf muscle on mile nine and it did effect our time a bit, but I’m just so proud that she was able to make it round with an injury.

“It was hard doing the marathon less than a day after the Salford match, but I always knew if we had a chance of making the play-offs that it would be something I’d be facing.

“I was hoping we’d have made it by now so the boss could’ve given me a rest.

“I think I was the only person at the marathon who was aching prior to the start!”

Leon, Emma and Leon’s brother Nathan, himself a former Glassboy, took part in the marathon in aid of Children with Cancer UK, and between them have raised almost £5,500.

Nathan did manage to narrowly beat his brother’s time as he clocked an impressive three hours, 54 minutes and 44 seconds, but Leon said he will not be aiming to beat his brother’s time soon.

He added: “I’m never doing any marathon again. I’ve done one and it’s been ticked off my list, but never again.”

A spokesperson for Stourbridge FC said: “Congratulations to Leon, Emma and Nathan Broadhurst, all of whom successfully completed the London Marathon.

“On behalf of Leon, Emma and Nathan, we would like to thank Glassboys' supporters for their generosity in supporting this fantastic cause.”

To support Leon’s marathon efforts and donate to Children with Cancer UK, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving/ and search for Emma Broadhurst.