WEST Devon running phenomenon Adam Holland is hoping that new sponsors can race to his aid and make 2012 a year to remember for the three times world record holder. Over the past years the long distance runner has worked hard to attain attention at national level with a series of superlative sporting achievements. 

The 24 year-old is already the youngest athlete to complete 100 marathons at the age of 23 years 7 months and 5 days (on October 10, 2010), has the the fastest ten times over ten marathons and as a member of the Porsche Human Performance team has run the greatest distance in 48 hours on a treadmill. 

Adam, who runs for Votwo/USN, has secured a once in a lifetime opportunity to be one of the first athletes to cross the finish line at the London 2012 Olympic Stadium. He will be competing in a field of 5,000 in The National Lottery Olympic Park Run on March 31.

There is good news for Tavistock's triple world record holder, as he has just agreed a new kit sponsorship arrangement with the Japanese company Asics but is still looking for more sponsorship if he is to compete at the highest level of his chosen sport.

He told the Times: 'I love running! It's a great way to meet people and keep fit and healthy. I love seeing the different landscapes at the places I compete. And that's what I like most, the competition, setting and achieving new goals for myself. I recommend chasing that sense of achievement to anyone.

'This deal with Asics means that I can get better access to the best equipment. But to keep chasing my dreams and finding new records to break I need to keep travelling and entering races around the country and maybe abroad. This sadly costs money and I would really love to be able to promote the businesses from my area who might be willing to sponsor me on my kit.'

Adam came under the spotlight nationally this summer when he was the subject of a special report by BBC Breakfast sports reporter Mike Bushell.   

But despite these impressive achievements the Tavistock Athletic Club member still finds it hard to combine his pursuit of reaching the top at athletics and at the same time continue to support himself on a limited income.

Adam works for Pillars' newsagents and as a meal assistant at Tavistock Primary School, but as with all amateur sportspeople it is a constant challenge to pay for the many competitive events around the country and the sportswear he badly needs to compete at such a high level.

A popular face around Tavistock and mentor to many young athletes inspired by his unique achievements, Adam is looking for further help with his running programme.  The athlete is grateful to the local businesses who have contributed already to his sponsorship but if anyone would like to help further and see their business or perhaps family name on Adam's competition and training kit as he makes his way around the country please contact [email protected]">[email protected]  

n ADAM Holland was looking forward to his first races of the year in the January Jaunt 10k races in Plymouth on Sunday - and he finished well to take second place. The races started and finish at the Plymouth Speedway Track. It went out and back through Saltram House.

It was good weather for the runners with no rain and the course was 'up and down' all the way. There were between 300 to 400 runners ranging from affiliated club runners to casual entries taking part.

Adam said: 'I'm very happy to have finish second in this event, it was a good start to the year. Big thanks to Maurice and Marie for driving me to the races.'