A FAMILIAR and impossible to miss figure will return to the streets of London this weekend as a Salisbury man once again takes on the marathon dressed as a giant red phone box.

Sid Keyte, 55, will join more than 59,000 runners at the London Marathon on Sunday, but while others focus on lightweight trainers, Sid will be carrying a 15kg wooden and cardboard costume around the entire 26.2-mile course.

Known as the Running Phone Box, this will be his fourth consecutive year running for Muscular Dystrophy UK – a cause close to his heart.

Sid during the TCS London Marathon 2025. (Picture: Muscular Dystrophy UK)

Sid is fundraising in honour of his brother Robin, who lives with myotonic dystrophy, a rare muscle-wasting condition.

“It was a real shock to all of us when we first found out Robin had myotonic dystrophy,” said Sid.

“When it dawned on me what the condition meant for my brother, I wanted to do something to help increase awareness. To help people understand more about muscle wasting conditions.”

This year’s run is particularly symbolic, marking 100 years since the iconic red K2 phone box first appeared on British streets.

In London with fellow phone boxes. (Picture: Muscular Dystrophy UK)

Robin was diagnosed in his early 30s after symptoms including balance problems and muscle weakness began to take hold.

“He was experiencing balance issues, kept falling over and was struggling to hold a coffee cup,” Sid said.

“Robin’s condition has got a lot worse over the last few years as his muscles have got weaker. But he never complains or feels sorry for himself. He’s the most generous, kind person, always thinking of others.”

Sid with his brother Robin. (Picture: Muscular Dystrophy UK)

Training has not been easy.

“I have a love/hate relationship with my outfit,” Sid admitted. “Training is quite challenging, and I have had to learn how to run like a penguin inside my box without the use of my arms.”

Despite the challenge – and the attention – Sid says the costume plays a vital role.

“The phone box attracts attention and when people ask me about it, it allows me to tell them about Robin and why I’m fundraising… that is just as important to me as raising money.”

His motivation is simple: “If he can remain so positive despite the daily challenges he faces, then a few hours of pain running as a phone box is a bit of a ‘no brainer’ for me!”

Support Sid’s fundraising at www.justgiving.com/page/sid-keyte-13