VETERAN marathon runner Jackie Batten is planning a 50th birthday celebration with a difference – a 50 kilometre run.

She wants to meet old friends, visit some of her favourite places and raise money for two local charities - the Butterfly Book and Broadlands retirement home.

“The 30-mile run will be on March 4, the day after my birthday,” Jackie said.

“The route is from Minehead to my present home in Bishops Lydeard but it will all be off-road and include over 3,000ft of climbs.

“I’m not out to break any records – friends from three athletics clubs will be running with me and I’ll probably be stopping from time to time to say hello to people I know."

Jackie’s route starts on North Hill and takes in Minehead seafront, Blue Anchor, Williton, Staple Plain and paths along the Quantocks to Bishops Lydeard.