HUNDREDS of people gathered on the shores of a beautiful lake to take on a gruelling physical challenge to raise money for disadvantaged young people. 

Runners from across the country headed to Windermere this weekend to take on the annual Brathay Windermere Marathon. 

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the marathon which has welcomed more than 10,000 athletes to the track and raised more than £1m for the Brathay Trust. 

Jon Owen, race director, has applauded the efforts of the runners who continue to return and enjoy this famously beautiful course. 

He said: "For us, the event represents those ordinary people who do extraordinary things and that turns into our major fundraiser of the year."

One ordinary person who has done the extraordinary is Ulverston pub landlord, Paul Dewar.

Mr Dewar has taken on an unthinkable challenge - dubbed To Hell and Back - which has seen him travel 1,600 miles in 21 days. 

Starting off in Land's End, Mr Dewar cycled to John O'Groats and back down to Windermere, before swimming the length of Windermere and finally taking on the Brathay 10in10 - 10 marathons in as many days. 

Mr Dewar said: "I'm really pleased that I managed to do it and really pleased that I've achieved it. 

"It's been a journey but quite an incredible journey really.

"I spent the last mile of the marathon reflecting on what I've done and it was quite emotional. 

"It just dawned on me that I've spent 21 days doing 1,600 miles."

Another sporting legend is 46-year-old Sonja Foster, who took on the 10in10 challenge for the second consecutive year. 

Speaking directly after her 10th and final marathon she said: "It was painful but good - it's rewarding. 

"I still just feel a bit surreal but I feel absolutely fantastic - really, really proud."

As well as celebrating 10 years of essential fundraising, event organisers were pleased to welcome hundreds more runners as it unveiled its first half-marathon. 

Mr Owen said: "This year we've got about 250 more runners than last year because we've opened up the half-marathon which has proved very popular - we've had to turn people away and put them on a reserves list.

"We ask people what brings them back to us every year and they say it's about the scenery."

The Windermere Marathon raises money for the Brathay Trust - an organisation that strives to support vulnerable young people throughout Cumbria. 

Mr Dewar, who is hoping to raise at least £16,000 for the Brathay Trust, was spurred on by these young people and the difference he could make. 

He said: "All the money me and Sonja have raised will be going directly into the Furness area which will hopefully give these young people something to look forward to, give them a future and give them goals to work towards."

Brathay Windermere Marathon winners:

Top three male runners (full marathon):

Scott Harrington - 2:36:33

Adam Holland - 2:47:53

Stephen Weston - 2:50:57

Top three female runners (full marathon): 

Tracey Dutton - 3:08:53

Katherine Cousins - 3:09:30

Sally Ford - 3:09:51

Top three male runners (half marathon):

David Mulvee - 1:13:23

Sam Stead - 1:15:36

Philip Eccleston - 1:17:00

Top three female runners (half marathon):

Lucy Stobbart - 1:34:20

Elaine Bisson - 1:35:53

Kate Macfarlane - 1:36:06

Read more:

Athletes put through their paces at Brathay Windermere Marathon

Marathon challenge will take Ulverston pub landlord 'To Hell and Back'

Barrow athlete Sonja steps up to repeat Brathay 10in10 marathon feat