Xtreme event takes runners to the limit

Hundreds of hardcore athletes took on an extreme course made even more gruelling by extreme weather at the weekend.

The second KP Events Xtreme 10K, near Lichfield, attracted a field of 225 runners - almost double last year's field of 120.

Organisers warn the course is not for the faint-hearted, with obstacles to hurdle, water traps to escape and steep climbs to overcome.

And the task was made extra tough this year by heavy snowfall the day before Sunday's race, making the terrain treacherous.

Setting off from Catton Hall, Alrewas, at 10.30am, first person home was Uttoxeter athlete Robert Hall in a time of 39 minutes 15 seconds. He was chased home by Alistair Gorrie in 40 minutes 29 seconds, with Jacob Fry coming in third around a minute later.

Stafford Triathlon Club's Jen Seager was first of the women in 50 minutes 49 seconds, followed by Emily Morton and Joanna Rooney.

Kevin Wilson, from KP Events, said: "It was a fantastic turnout. We ran it for the first time last year and had 120 so we are delighted to roughly double that, especially on a day like today.

"It's very gruelling terrain but they absolutely loved it, probably because it was so snowy out there.

"They seemed to enjoy it more because of the weather."

The field was mostly made up of club runners from across Staffordshire, he added.