Justin Hayward

Cambridge entrepreneur Justin Hayward is putting his best foot forward for charity – by taking on the challenge of back-to-back cross-country ski marathons.

The recent Arctic conditions gave him a taste of what’s to come – but, when there’s no snow in Cambridge, he can be spotted rollerskiing along local bike paths.

Mr Hayward, 43, founder of Cambridge Investment Research (CIR) Strategy at the ideaSpace enterprise accelerator, plans to cover a total of 87km in sub-zero temperatures to raise money for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

He’ll be taking part in the Halvvasan ski classic-style langlauf marathon on February 28 in Sweden, followed by the 44th Engadin skating-style ski marathon in Switzerland on March 11.

The challenge is part of CIR Strategy’s 10th anniversary celebrations. “I wanted to mark our 10-year business milestone with a personal challenge,” said Mr Hayward.