IT was a case of a little bit of AC/DC does you good when internal audit manager Jonathan Darling entered the Greater Manchester Marathon, because he used the heavy rock band's music through his earphones to help him complete the 26.2 mile course and make sure it wasn't a Highway to Hell.

The marathon, which is dubbed the "UK’s friendliest and most entertaining marathon", also had entertainers, choirs and charities placed along the route to help motivate Mr Darling, who works for npower in Worcester, and the other 10,000 runners. He said: "One of the most important preparations was getting my music playlist ready. I had everything from AC/DC to Jerry Lee Lewis and Duran Duran to help me complete the run. However, one of the best bits was a lovely cuppa from the Macmillan charity at the end of the race - it was just what I needed."

Mr Darling entered the challenge after completing the Birmingham Half-Marathon in October last year. He was motivated to sign-up after hearing about npower’s employee challenge, which involves staff completing ten challenges in 2014 to mark ten year’s of supporting Macmillan, known as '10 for 10'. He added: "Before this my longest run was only 20 miles, so I’m thrilled that my calf – which has been giving me trouble – didn’t give up on me.”

Clare McDougall, head of community at npower, added: “We’re delighted that Jonathan achieved his goal. His enthusiasm for Macmillan and how he continually sets challenges for himself is commendable.”