AS IF running the London Marathon wasn't gruelling enough, two Swindon men are to attempt Sunday's race dressed as a camel.

It will be the third time Simon Perry and Tim Lenderyou have competed as Humphrey the camel to raise money for the charity WaterAid.

In 2001 the pair set a world record for the fastest competitors in a camel costume, finishing the 26-mile race in five hours and 20 minutes.

However, they may be the only ones so far to have attempted the feat.

This year Simon, 27, from Wood Hall Park, and Tim, 28, from Greenmeadow, hope to beat their own record and smash the five-hour barrier.

In doing so they are hoping to raise £10,000, which Simon's employer, Thames Water, has pledged to match.

They will be joined on the day by about 10 other runners from Thames Water.

"We haven't been out in the camel around Swindon because it might have been too scary for people," said Simon, who works in Thames Water's customer services department in Kembrey Park.

To make things fairer the two runners have agreed to take turns carrying the camel's head at the front of the costume.

WaterAid works directly with communities in poor countries to help them dig wells and install pumps to improve sanitation and access to water.

For more information, go to www.wateraid.org.uk and to sponsor Humphrey the camel call Simon on 01793 446189.