STEVE BEATON will show the changing face of darts on Sunday when he takes part in the Leeds 10K Jane Tomlinson's 'Run For All'.
The former World Champion, from Southam, Warwickshire, will be among 11,000 runners for the event in Leeds, which was founded last year by the late Jane Tomlinson.
The 44-year-old will be raising money for the Jane's Appeal charity as well as the Warwickshire Air Ambulance by running the 10k, and hopes to show a different side to the traditional image of darts players.
"You have to have a greater degree of fitness now to play darts anyway because of the length of tournaments, and also playing in the heat of TV lights for a couple of hours," said Beaton.
"Phil Taylor does a lot of endurance work and other players are going to the gym more now too.
"The image of darts is changing and we are classed as sportsmen now, not as beer-swilling, chain-smokers. Hopefully I can help do my bit to change the image."
Beaton used to smoke around 50 cigarettes a day before quitting in 2004, and decided to challenge himself to the charity run this year.
"I've been running casually since I stopped smoking four years ago," said Beaton. "At first it was a case of doing anything to get a bit fitter.
"I've never been too overweight or unhealthy, but on the professional darts circuit we can be away a lot and it's not always the best lifestyle for keeping fit.
"Entering the Run For All has given me something to aim for this year and I've enjoyed training for it.
"A few of the other players have said I'm mad, but they've been pretty supportive too."
While the Leeds race will be Beaton's first competitive run, he added: "This may be the start for me and I'll see how I feel after Sunday.
"I don't know about doing a marathon but I may look to run a half-marathon in the future."
Fans can sponsor Steve by visiting www.stevebeaton.co.uk or www.justgiving.com/stevebeaton180.