A Haslemere Border Athletics Club member has taken on one of Britain’s most brutal endurance races.

The Montane Winter Spine Challenger South is a non-stop 108 mile race along the Pennine Way, beginning from Edale in Derbyshire and finishing at Hawes, with a 60-hour time limit.

The race covers the southern section of the trail which features the iconic moorland of the Kinder Plateau, numerous national parks, Malham Cove and Pen-y-ghent.

The challenging route is physically and psychologically demanding and requires concentration, good physical fitness, resolve and respect.

Patrick Ferguson took up the challenge, and was greeted with snow and icy conditions, with temperatures of minus nine at Edale for the 8am race start.

Battling with deep snow from the start and the full ferocity of a British winter adding to the relentless conditions, Patrick soldiered on and with only the last segment to go gave one final effort to obtain a good finish, achieving the fastest time for the final segment.

Despite the deep snow, relentless conditions and with practically no sleep, Patrick completed the 108-mile course in a time of 48:14.26 to finish in 25th place out of 175.

In a race where many did not finish because of the conditions, this was the ultimate test of grit and endurance and an incredible achievement.

Across the water at a warmer climate, Steve King took on the Disney Dopey Challenge, running four races on four consecutive days.

The challenge starts with a 5km race, followed by a 10km race, a half marathon and a marathon.

All of the races take place in the setting of Disney World Florida, with the chance to meet Disney characters and the opportunity to wear fancy dress.

Steve did not disappoint, wearing a different outfit everyday and completing all of the events.

By Ann Varnes