Boy runs 5km a day for 50 days - 11 years after dad

Robbie and his dad, Scott just before they start a run

An 11-year-old boy from East Ayrshire has run 5km every day for 50 days, after learning that his dad completed the same challenge just after he was born.

Robbie McKie, from Kilmarnock, also raised more than £700 for the Biggart Hospital in Prestwick, which specialises in care for the elderly.

His dad Scott, said he had not expected Robbie to complete the challenge but he was a "tenacious little guy".

"He is a very inspirational wee boy," Scott added. "I've had many friends comment on how inspired they are, to get out and start running. That speaks volumes of what he has achieved."

Scott, now 41, undertook the challenge himself when Robbie was just three or four months old.

He said it was a difficult trying to balance the run, work and a new-born baby.

In total, Robbie has run 250km (155 miles) during the challenge

When Robbie heard about this he was keen to follow in his dad's footsteps.

"I started doing it for fun and wanted to take on a challenge," he said.

Two weeks into the challenge Robbie said he asked himself: "Why don't I raise money when I'm doing it for nothing."

So far he has raised £732, far above his £150 goal, for the hospital where his great aunt Mary died in April.

'Sense of achievement'

Robbie said he had to run at all times of the day and night and in all weather conditions.

"There were moments when I couldn't be bothered to go out in the pouring rain," he said.

But it was always a massive sense of achievement to finish each session, Robbie added.

It generally took him about 30 minutes but his fastest time was 23 minutes.

When he is not running, Robbie's hobbies include boxing and he plays for his local junior football team, Dean Thistle.

His team mates joined him for his 30th run.

When Robbie finished his final run on Sunday morning, he was greeted by his friends and family who cheered him over the finishing line.

Robbie said he "was happy it was over, but sad at the same time, as I have really enjoyed the experience".

His family said they "couldn't be any prouder of him".

Robbie has already set his sights on his next challenge, to run four miles every four hours for 48 hours.

But for now however, he said: "I want to rest for a few days before getting my trainers back on."