Mark Thompson of Exmouth Harriers

The recent cold spell does not seem to have affected the enthusiasm of Exmouth Harriers members for getting out there and running, writes Dave Eveleigh.

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The exploits of Mark Thompson in Kent earlier in the month were among the more impressive recent achievements by local runners.

The “Challenge Hub” organise a series of events in Kent. Not officially promoted as races the aim is to give runners the facility to challenge themselves over long distances.

This particular race took place over a 6.55 miles lap on rural tracks which athletes completed up to five times and the event title – “Moonlight Challenge” - is explained by a 6pm start time.

Mark reports that at that stage the temperature was -5C with an inch of snow but by 11.07 p.m., while the temperature had climbed to -3C, there was eight inches of the white stuff to plough through!

For those who have not done the calculations the maximum distance was 32.75 miles which Mark covered in five hours and seven minutes. For the record 64 started and Mark was second of the 32 who completed five laps.