WITH reference to A Shot At The Record in The Citizen, February 28, I wonder if students ever get involved in events that are not fuelled by tobacco, drugs or alcohol?

Why do they not become involved in events that require physical effort? I would suggest the marathon.

All it needs is the record number of students, competing in the same marathon, from the University of Central Lancashire, to cover the distance in less than two hours and 48 minutes.

It could even be a world record.

Why two hours and 48 minutes? Well that was my time at 41-years-old, more than 30 years ago.

That week I was working a 4pm to midnight shift, but on that day, I was allowed to work 6pm to midnight (pounding the beat -- nothing connected with music). In fact, for any student beating an 'old man's' time, I am prepared to donate £5 to any charity that I approve of.

Of course, there is a downside.

I must be informed of all students attempting the record and anyone failing to beat this time must donate £5 to my favourite charity -- the Preston Wheelers.

Cycling, a Cinderella sport, does not attract young people in spite of the fact that we have a national and local champion in the Preston Wheelers.

In fact, I doubt if any student could last the pace with our OAP section -- known as the coffin dodgers.

We have an over 70 who has recorded 56 minutes for 25 miles, one hour 56 minutes for 50 miles, and four hours seven minutes for 100 miles.

Remember if you beat two hours and 48 minutes in the London marathon, you will have 30,000 runners behind you.

M Wall, Freshfields, Lea, Preston.