Clare Thompson and Dave Ives battled rain, hills and temptation to complete the Lakeland 50.

The Lakeland 50 is an endurance ultra race through the Lake District and is recognised as one of the toughest 50-mile races in the country.

There are also very strict rules for runners, from what they can carry in their backpacks. Clothing, food and maps were all checked and re-checked at the finish line to determine whether the runners had successfully completed the challenge.

Incredibly, Thompson and Ives each had two Mars bars, which, if eaten, would have constituted a disqualified time.

In total, the 50 miles included2,965m of climbing and 3,069m of descent over bogs, rocks, slate and a variety of gates and walls. The race has to be completed in 24 hours, which was made harder when the rain started falling in the night.

“We had a fantastic support crew as our other halves were out there at all hours. It was even commented on by other racers that they were top notch.” said Thompson.

After 16 hours, the pair came into the finish at Coniston to huge cheers from their faithful support team and the race crew with plenty of time to spare and Mars bars intact.

“An amazing event, amazing competitors and brilliant organisers,” said Ives, who was raising money for Make a Wish UK, a charity for seriuously ill children.

Thompson ran for MSUK, a charity close to her heart after her sister was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis five years ago.

If anyone would like to donate to either charity, email clareparry@hotmail.co.uk