THE THOUGHT of running a single marathon is enough to make most people break out in a cold sweat.
So imagine slogging through the equivalent of almost FOUR, back-to-back, along the twisty Cornish coastal paths, over 24 hours.
This is the ordeal that awaits the intrepid adventurers who have signed up for this year's 100-mile Ultra Trail South West (UTSW), dubbed the "toughest endurance race in Britain".
Taking place over the weekend of June 21 to 23, the event has been designed to push even the most experienced runners to the limit with over 5,000m of vertical ascent.
Runners begin their journey in Polruan and follow the coast east for around 20 miles. The route then heads inland at Looe, crossing the county over Bodmin Moor overnight, and continues along the north Cornish coast from Boscastle to Watergate Bay.
They generally complete the gruelling course within 18 to 26 hours, although only around 6 in 10 completed the debut race last year.
James Barker, of event organisers Endurancelife, said: "The UTSW is designed to showcase the best of the British coast. We have the most rugged and spectacular coastline in the world so it makes sense to base the event around it.
"We are really excited to be hosting the UTSW for a second year; the event attracts people from all over the world and we foresee it growing year on year."
The Extreme Academy at Watergate Bay has been chosen as the finish line this year.
Will Ashworth, of the academy and Watergate Bay Hotel, said: "Running 100 miles continuously has to be one of the most challenging and difficult feats and we are delighted to have been chosen as the finishing point for the second year.
"I'm sure that participants are going to be exhausted after completing such an achievement, so we are going to make sure we provide the warmest of welcomes here at Watergate Bay."
Organisers offer a 60-mile version of the race, which begins on Saturday, June 22, at 8am and follows the South West Coast Path from Boscastle to Watergate Bay. There is also the option to run the 100-mile course as a relay team.
To find out more about the race or to enter visit www.endurancelife.com
