LONDON singer-songwriter King Charles is setting off on a charity running challenge which will see him trekking through Glasgow.

He will set off next month, taking part in the '40 in 40' challenge to raise money for youth and community charity Regenerate.

The challenge will see the musician run an incredible 40 marathons in just 40 days.

King Charles, also known as Charles Costa, said: "This is a really big challenge for me but I'm looking forward to starting.

"I've always been interested in running and I thought this would combine my love of running with getting out and seeing new places.

"I'm a big runner but I'm currently going through peak and troughs of confidence with this.

"One day I feel really great and that I can accomplish anything, other days I feel as though I'm overwhelmed.

"I've never done anything like this before so it's a new experience but I'm looking forward to it."

During the fundraiser, Charles will also be performing some of his songs along the way.

He said: "We'll end each marathon with a small performance which is another reason I'm looking forward to it.

"I haven't performed in a long time, and I can't wait to get out and do it again."

Charles' marathon through Glasgow will start on August 4 in Drymen, before heading south, travelling through east end communities such as Springhill and Westfield on the way.

Charles said: "I love running for the fact that you get to experience places from a new perspective.

"I used it as a way to get through lockdown too. I live nearby Hyde Park in London so I had great facilities on my doorstep.

"If I'm touring, I usually see the inside of a venue, then back onto the tour bus.

"But with this, I'm really getting a chance to experience the nature and local people in a whole new way."

King Charles is just one of many musicians and performers who have seen their workload cut back by coronavirus restrictions.

The busy singer-songwriter would normally find himself heading out on tour, visiting historic Glasgow venues such as King Tut's Wah Wah Hut or the Barrowlands, however, these venues have remained closed for more than a year during the pandemic.

He said: "It's been tough year for performers.

"It's been 18 months since I last performed which is the longest break I've had.

"The marathon challenge is my way of getting out and visiting places that I wouldn't normally see on tour.

"The places I'm visiting will be a bit more rural than the centre of Glasgow.

"I adore Scotland for it's openness and I'm really looking forward to meeting the people and exploring."

Charles is also looking towards of new of his most ambitious shows to date.

He said: "We even have a plan to climb Ben Nevis and do a performance there too, which would just be incredible I think.

"I'll also be visiting Glasgow again in the more traditional sense, when I visit during my tour in October.

"Before that though, I'm concentrating on completing my challenge and raising money for Regenerate."