THERE was plenty of mud, sweat and hills when around 250 runners, joggers and walkers took part in the Jurassic Coast Challenge earlier this month.

The annual endurance challenge organised by Votwo, consists of three marathons over three consecutive days along the South West Coast Path.

Starting in Charmouth and finishing at Shell Bay, Studland, the challenging course spans a total of 78.6-miles and includes around 9,000ft of climbing.

Overall fastest time was Andrew Findley, 49, of Branksome Park in Poole, coming home in first place three out of the three days.

In second place overall was Jeremy Taylor followed by Sam Pullan. Andrew, pictured right, said: “This was a really tough event, with day one being the hardest 26 miles I’ve ever run.

“The weather wasn’t great, to say the least, and half of the distance was running and slipping through ankle deep mud.”

He added: “It was great to see how so many of the participants kept their spirits and refused to give up, no matter what the day threw at them.”

One of the grittiest performances was by 20-year-old Bethanie Pring who had never run a race before but managed to keep going for an average of ten hours a day.

Votwo director Ben Mason said: “It is more of a challenge than a race and is far more achievable than many people realise.

“Bethanie had barely run 10k before, but wanted to prove to her boyfriend she could do it.

“These type of events, often show you can achieve far more than you think you are worth.”

Next year's event is March 21 to 23.

For more information about the event please visit website votwo.co.uk