It's set to be check mate for one Southampton runner. 

Kevin Sawers is looking for a fellow chess enthusiast to take on while simultaneously running the 10k ABP Southampton Marathon next month. 

The Bitterne runner regularly completes the event in aid of Communicare, which helps vulnerable and isolated people in Southampton, and last year ran while juggling. 

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This time around he's going one step further and is looking for a mate to play chess with on Sunday, April 6.

Kevin told the Daily Echo: "I have run the marathon in aid of the charity for several years now.

"My wife Bryony works there, so I hear first hand about all the great work it does helping those in need of support and friendship in Southampton.

"I’m a keen runner and a member of Hedge End Running Club. Back in 2023, I combined my hobbies of running and juggling when I entered.

"This year, I thought I’d look for a partner, so I can bring running together with one of my other favourite pastimes, playing chess.

"I don’t mind whether you’re an occasional chess player or a grandmaster, as we'll just be having fun while completing the race and raising as much money as possible for the charity."

The 10th anniversary ABP Southampton Marathon as usual encompasses a 5k, 10km, half marathon and full marathon, and Communicare is looking for runners or walkers as possible to join its team.

Communicare manager Annie Clewlow added: "The current economic climate means we need fundraising like this more than ever before. Every penny we receive goes towards making someone’s life better. 

"We know that running isn’t for everyone, so if you’d like to be part of our Support Squad, we’d love to hear from you. We also need as many people as possible to sponsor our team."

Communicare is currently supporting more than 750 individuals/families through tasks including, befriending, transport for appointments and assistance with shopping and always needs more donations and volunteers to help with its work.

If you’re interested in joining Kevin, or running any of the distances for Communicare, call 023 8250 0050 or email events@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk

Sponsor the team at justgiving.com/campaign/communicaremarathon25