The Irish race will be Darron Crookes' third marathon in as many years, and he has raised thousands for worthy causes in the area.

The 38-year-old, who manages the Dinnington Resource Centre on Laughton Road, said he was more than pleased to back Dinnington-based Safe@Last.

"I wanted to support a local charity, one where I can see the work they are doing in my own community," he said.

"Safe@Last needs funds to continue providing services for young people at risk through running away, hopefully I can help with this."

Darron's first distance running experience came in 2006, when he completed the Sheffield half marathon.

In April last year he ran a very respectable personal best time of three hours 31 minutes at the Stratford Upon Avon race.

"I've been training hard for this marathon and aim to complete it in under three-and-a-half hours," he said. "I'm sure I can achieve this with a bit of fortune and no injuries."

"I did have a few injury problems earlier this year, but I have had some physio and everything is as it should be at the moment."

"The training has been all outdoors. It's just running, running and then more running, always increasing the distance until I'm doing 20 to 22 miles."

The mostly-flat 26-mile course begins and ends in the heart of Dublin. It will be the 29th time the race has been staged, and the route takes in some of the city's historic Georgian streets.

Crossing the start line on Monday 27th October will mark a return to marathon-running for Darron. He took a break from the competitive sport, but still managed to finish a gruelling triathlon test in aid of the Resource Centre in June.

And he will compere Safe@Last's annual ball in Sheffield later this month. It was his work at the Resource Centre, which also needs similar financial funding, that caught the eye of the people at Safe@Last, who invited him to MC the night.

The charity works with children in South Yorkshire who are at risk from running away from home.

With very little statutory funding, it is supporters like Darron that ensure Safe@Last can continue to make a difference.

"We are so grateful Darron is completing this marathon for Safe@Last," said fundraising officer Barbara Raszyk. "Every penny he raises will be going directly to help vulnerable young people, and we wish him the best of luck."

To find out more about the charity visit www.safeatlast.org.uk. Young people in need of help can call the 24-hour helpline on 0800 335 SAFE.

And anyone wishing to back Darron's Irish fundraising race can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/darroncrookes.