Dave tackles endurance challenge

Dave Smith, aged 43, from Weston, said he is blistered but happy after finishing the Sunrise to Sunset 100km "ultra marathon" at Lake Khovsgol National Park.

Inspired by a friend's battle with leukaemia, the marketing consultant – a former GB cycling coach – ran for 18 hours and 29 minutes to raise money for Leukaemia Research.

The course included 11,000 feet of ascent – roughly the equivalent of climbing Mount Snowdon three times – and tough terrain including marshland and rocks.

Runners also passed through woods populated by bears and wolves. Even reaching the starting line was a challenge for Dave, who had to endure a 28-hour drive on unpaved roads to get the location close to the Siberian border.

"It was all about will-power and determination," said Mr Smith, who suffered severe blisters after the first 42k section of the race and had to cover the remaining 36 miles in pain.

"We knew the final cut off time of 15 hours at the 65k mark was crucial – the organisers didn't want people in the wood after dark as the bears and wolves would find an injured runner quite tempting. The final six miles were run on autopilot – I had nothing left but I just had to finish," said Dave, who is a former student and lecturer at the old Staffordshire Polytechnic, now Staffordshire University.

As part of his training regime, Mr Smith would cycle on Cannock Chase then run in the hill behind the village of Salt.

Peter Cook, from Dave's sponsors Mediline Nurses and Carers, said: "We're extremely proud of Dave."

The firm has agreed to continue backing Dave as he attempts three more challenges in aid of Leukaemia Research.

On September 5 he will compete in a 100-mile mountain bike race, before tackling the UK's most demanding triathlon, the Big Ben Nevis event in Fort William on September 19. Finally, on October 10, Dave will take part in a 24-hour mountain bike race. His efforts have already raised more than £700.