IT'S flat whites for the day job but flat out when running for Irvine's marathon man Andy Darling.

The 36-year-old Bourtreehill man took to the Scottish Highlands for his latest challenge, taking on the Loch Ness Marathon,and finishing with an incredible time of 3:01:56.

It saw Andy place 46th in the race which featured over 2,500 runners, which is even more impressive given how he came to love running.

The Caffe Nero manager says he began getting into the sport to take part in obstacle races, before soon realising he had "a bit of ability".

What he said really changed his thought process in who he wanted to be as a runner, was his remarkable time 2:57:31 in the Manchester marathon.

To put this into context, this time is only 13 minutes slower than a time registered at the 2022 Tokyo Olympics!

Irvine Times: Andy alongside coach Scott Brown.Andy alongside coach Scott Brown. (Image: Andy Darling)

While he didn't quite crack the three hour mark at the Loch Ness Marathon, Andy told the Times he was extremely happy with his performance, especially given running is only a hobby for him.

He said: "I'm so proud of my performance at Inverness as it is a really tough route and my preparation was not ideal.

"Working six day weeks, stupid hours and still getting the nine hours (60 miles) of training in was really hard going.

"To get to the starting line in good shape I had to battle for it."

The run in the Highlands was purely a personal event for Andy, though he does aim to fundraise in at least one of the marathon's he runs each year.

In Manchester with the help of Fit Ayrshire Dads and Fit Ayrshire Masses he was part of a group which raised £3,238 for the Ukrainian refugees.

Andy hopes to one day move into a career in fitness full time, and hopes to inspire those with his own hard work and dedication.

He commented: "I’m a full time worker a husband and a dad, I do believe just about anyone can run marathons if you have the desire and dedication to a plan.

"I’m so thankful to the people in my life, my coach Scott Brown at SBF Next Level gym who always gets me ready for events and inspires me as he is a hell of an athlete!

"My friend Kev Brown at Mind Masters he really helps me with the mind set and keep me focused when times are tough.

"Most of all my wife Alison and my girls April and Amber, they put in the sacrifice with me by letting me train.

Irvine Times: Andy with his wife Alison and daughters April and Amber.Andy with his wife Alison and daughters April and Amber. (Image: Andy Darling)

"I hope I set a good example to my girls and I always want to do my wife proud."

Andy now hopes to keep working away, and tick some more major marathons off of his bucket list - with his sights firmly set on London in 2023.

For this marathon, places are sparce, and runners must apply for a starting space - something Andy is due to find out if he has gotten by the end of this month.

He added: "Every marathon I just want to chip away at my time and get a little bit faster."