LOSTOCK'S Josie Greenhalgh successfully completed arguably the toughest ultra marathon in the UK last weekend when she finished the Montane Lakeland 100.

Starting and finishing in Coniston and circumventing the entirety of the Lake District, but without visiting any of the high Lakeland peaks, the unrelenting nature of the terrain and navigational demands on competitors ensures an annual drop out of between 50 and 60 per cent.

Starting in extreme heat at 6pm on Friday,  Greenhalgh battled against sickness, dehydration and an inability to ingest food throughout the first night on the fells, and seriously contemplated retiring at the 32-mile checkpoint.

An inner determination led her to continue although the extremes of weather, alternating between extreme heat and heavy rain and hailstone, continued to challenge all competitors, especially as the race entered its second night at the 82-mile point.

With the worst of the weather over Greenhalgh was able to run the final mile in Coniston, having completed the 105 miles and 6,300m of ascent in 36hrs 32mins 53secs, to finish as 12th-placed woman and fourth in her age group.

Greenhalgh was joined in this incredible feat of endurance by fellow Lostocker Mark Liptrot who completed the Montana Lakeland 50, which covers the second half of the 100 and has a total ascent of 3,100m taking in Ullswater, Long Sleddale, Ambleside and the Langdales before also finishing in Coniston.

Liptrot finished his race in 11:14:02.

Michele Sunter continued her good form at the third of the Harrock Hill midweek fell races by finishing second in her age group, while Mark Checkley headed over to Littleborough for the Turnslack fell race.