Published at 10:36, Saturday, 12 May 2012

RUNNERS in a mammoth marathon challenge charged out of the blocks yesterday.

AND THEY’RE OFF: Steph Bond’s shotgun starts the competitors off at the Brathay 10-in-10 marathons at Brathay Hall. Right, family, friends and wellwishers waiting for the start of the Brathay 10 in 10 marathons

The sixth annual 10-in-10 Brathay Challenge got under way yesterday and 18 runners from across the country are taking part in the 262-mile effort.

Legendary Lake District fell runner, Joss Naylor, gave the runners a pep talk before a blast from a shotgun got the race under way.

The event sees runners take part in a daily marathon and has attracted competitors from the length of the country.

Ulverston runner, and Stan Laurel Inn landlord, Paul Dewar crossed the line in fifth in the first race and was among four Cumbrians taking part in the race.

He said: “I’ve prepared well for the event and in my busiest week I ran 130 miles. The first three or four marathons should be relatively easy but after that it’s all down to avoiding injury.

“That’s the biggest worry, little niggles that develop into something worse. The Body Rehab team will ensure that I get the best possible advice and I’m confident that they will keep me on the road.

“The team sprit of the group is already beginning to kick in and if any of us hit any psychological barriers, we’ll help each other through it.”

Mark Bushell, spokesman for the Brathay Trust, said: “Everyone made it back and they all feel in good physical shape. I’m really, really pleased with how it’s going.

“The runners have all come in very close, they’ve all been training hard.”

The runners set off at daily 10.30am and the event will culminate with the Windermere marathon on May 20.

To date the runners have raised £110,000 for the Brathay Trust, which works with disadvantaged young people.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk