A runner-turned strongman is looking to set a new Guinness World Record towing his Ford Fiesta for 24 hours straight around a track.

David Cooke will attempt to pull the retro vehicle at Central Park Athletics stadium in Dartford Park using his own horsepower later this month.

Watch Dave pulling his car round the track

It will be the 43-year-old's first official attempt at the feat having previously set a Guinness World Record running the London Marathon in chain mail for the London Air Ambulance.

But the dad-of-two is now looking to move up the gears and unlock a new powerlifting record to raise money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society.

It's a cause close to Dave's heart following the loss of his father Maurice Cooke to the disease in April last year, just a day short of his 80th birthday.

Dave, who manages a racket sports club in Beckenham, selected the challenge which combines their shared passion for sport and cars.

He said: "Dad was my biggest sporting supporter and would always come to my sporting challenges and events, from marathon runs to weightlifting competitions, if he was able to he would always be there.

On his father's death and his motivation for the crazy challenge, he added: "It hit my quite hard and I wanted to put that grief into something constructive.

"He was always there in my corner cheering me on and pushing me.

"This event is more than a Guinness World Record or a silly challenge, it means a lot to me and my family."

He will start the event in Dartford Park at 10am on Friday September 24, towing his vehicle through the night and into the early hours.

The current record is just over 20 miles but Dave is hoping to surpass that and lay down a marker for future competitors.

One problem the sports club manager faced was trying to find suitable places to train and prepare with the vehicle in tow.

Fortunately, he has now been given the opportunity to lay down some markers at the town track with the backing of Dartford council and Dartford Central Athletics club.

He said: "Dartford Central Athletics have been absolutely amazing. They have been very supportive.

"I have got a very good support network. The team are going to be looking after me and making sure I have everything."

Now with a location secured Dave says his focus will be on getting himself in the best possible shape.

"I have completely change my diet, I'm very much a clean eater," said Dave.

But it has not been all plain sailing to this point, adding: "There has been a lot of trial and error and I'm now undergoing some physio for my shoulder.

"I'm building up a lot of muscle through strength work for my back and my quads."

During the challenge, Dave will be cheered on by his partner Claire, son Harry and daughter Amy.

He has set himself a target of raising £5,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society and has amassed more than £1,200 so far.

To donate to the fundraiser and follow Dave's progress click here.

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