FIFTEEN members of Widnes Running Club went through the pain barrier and overcame sleep deprivation to take part in a 410-mile, 24-hour relay in Yorkshire at the weekend.

The club sent three teams of five to Endure 24 North at Bramham Park in Leeds.

The runners were Jan Swales, John Pennington, Jo Jones, Caroline Barrow, Liam Boardman, Rita Tracy, Andy Shelbourne, Hilary Price, Ian Burrows, Darren Wood, Julie Brown, Shaun McGrath, Rob Lloyd, Phil Clarke, Amy Durr and Susan Sheppard.

Running in teams of five, each individual completed at least one five-mile lap of trail running, before handing over the baton to the next runner.

This process continued for 24 hours, with each member catching sleep when they could. Runners completed between 20 and 35 miles each with a combined running club total of 410 miles - 82 laps.

Special mention went to Phil Clarke who ruptured his Achilles tendon on the first lap, but remained with the team for support, even hobbling a lap during the night.

The had to endure constant running, recovering and then having to run again. Pacing was also an issue as was the lack of sleep.

Liam Boardman said: “As Chairman I would like to say how proud I am of every member of Widnes Running Club that took part.

“It is great to see people running further than they ever have before and doing events such as Endure24, that they never thought possible.

“The team spirit was amazing, as it is at club training sessions and other events that we take part in, with the support and togetherness shown.

“As a club we want to carry on getting Widnes running, whether it be their first 5k, marathon or 24 hour run.”

The Club meets each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 6.45pm at Frank Myler Pavilion.