ON the centenary of the start of the First World War, Paul Smith is ready to push himself to reach three figures.

At 11 minutes past midnight on Tuesday morning, Mr Smith will start his 2,872nd consecutive day of running – keeping up his streak of pounding the streets and fields every day since January 1, 2007.

From the Heugh Battery at the Headland in Hartlepool – where the first German shells of the First World War landed on British soil – Mr Smith will start his epic challenge of running to 100 war memorials across County Durham.

He aims to raise £1,914 for the British Legion’s Poppy Appeal and Help for Heroes in the latest running challenge he has set himself.

Earlier this year he ran from Newcastle’s St James’ Park to the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium, finishing at Hartlepool United’s Victoria Park in aid of the Finlay Cooper Fund and Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. He also completed 100 miles around the Maiden Castle athletics track in Durham on the longest day of the year.

“I set myself challenges and targets and I felt this was a good way to commemorate the start of the Great War,’’ he said. “I’ve done some tough ones, but this is another to enjoy and experience.

“It was tough for our lads and lasses during the wars and in recent conflicts, so it’s a way of showing my respect.

“From Hartlepool, I’ll be heading up the coastline to the collieries and my aim is to finish at Durham Cathedral. Plotting the route can be as difficult as running it! It’s a challenge and my local knowledge will come into play.

“If anyone is out there, I will be running with a huge poppy and carrying the Union Flag, so any encouragement if you see me would be much appreciated.’’

Mr Smith will be placing a wooden cross at each memorial he visits, while regularly updating his progress on Twitter (@LordSmythe) and Facebook (lordofthestreak).

To donate, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LordSmythe1908