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Move over Arnold Schwarzenegger, there's a new running man in town.

A mystery Litherland runner has captured the imagination of local residents with his half naked, full speed exercise regime.

He has been spotted sprinting on Crosby beach with waves lapping at his feet, thundering through Thornton and bowling along in Blundellsands.

Urban legends also have it that the 'Forrest Gump of Bootle' swims in the Leeds - Liverpool canal in summer and wears a miner's lamp on his head during night time excursions.

A Facebook page celebrating his supreme athleticism and contempt for cold weather was set up in September and now has more than 4,000 fans.

The anonymous administrator of the site said: "This is to recognise the achievement of the half naked man who runs around Sefton eight days a week, 48 hours a day.

"This unknown athlete in training is a local phenomenon. Often seen in all weathers and at all times of day, his training and endurance is going unrecognised.

"He is built like a machine and chooses to wear only a pair of 1980 Sebastian Coe replica running shorts. The underpant mesh lining has surely perished by now but this does not deter him.

"A trademark bandage on his calf also makes him stand out from the rest of the fair-weather joggers seen in the Litherland area."

Many pictures and comments have been posted in tribute.

John Donnelly said: "He doesn't run, he patrols. He's our silent guardian."

Wesley Mcginty wrote: "He woke up one day, went for a run and he has never stopped."

And the page moderator added: "Rumour has it he started his run in 1986 when he was fully clothed."

A discussion on what the running man has for breakfast prompted some interesting responses.

Louise Nicholls said: "Probably just tumbles out of bed and stumbles to the kitchen and pours himself a cup of ambition."

John James Kennedy posted: "The only thing he eats is miles and miles of open road."

And Liam Chatterton wrote: "The tears of every athlete in the world - with orange juice of course."

*Click here for more pictures and sightings on the Litherland Running Man Facebook page