RUNNING a regular marathon is hard enough for most people, but there are others who want to try something a little bit different.

This is where GB Ultras come in, which as a company, offer the chance for runners to compete in ultra-marathons.

Birchwood based founder and owner, Wayne Drinkwater, has recently arrived back from Nepal after being invited to be race director for the Everest 135 Ultra-Marathon and was full of praise for the event.

“It was brilliant to be race director for the ultra-marathon in Nepal and it was just a brilliant experience to be involved in,” said Wayne.

“The Himalayas is an unusual place to hold a marathon with its high altitude but that is what makes it a challenge.

Warrington Guardian:

“One of our GB Ultras runners, Trevor Cichosz, finished in third place which, at more than 135 miles long and at such a great height, is just an amazing achievement.

“The marathon was staged in partnership with a Chinese company, and as well as being able to run in such a beautiful place, you get to meet some amazing people along the way.”

Wayne, 39, used to run in a lot of similar marathons and set up the company to give other runners the opportunity to take part.

“I set up GB Ultras to give people the chance to compete in something different like an ultra-marathon,” he said.

“The races we stage vary in length from 50 miles to 100 miles and sometimes even longer than that.

“When I have competed in ultra-marathons and even now, I travel to some stunning places all over the country and I wanted to give other people the same opportunity.”

Warrington Guardian:

GB Ultras organise several ultra-marathons each year in locations all over the UK and have another energy-sapping event taking place this weekend.

“As a company, we run events all across the UK including here in the north west, Scotland, Brecon Beacons, Snowdon and across the Pennines,” Wayne added.

“This weekend we are staging the amazing GB24 race in the Lake District, which is 24 hours long and is one of the UK’s toughest events.

“I really enjoy supporting the other runners in races like this and helping them to take on and overcome the challenge.”