WHEN Farnham runner Oliver Lovell took part in the North Downs Way 50 Ultra Marathon (NDW50), he completed an ultimate challenge.

He finished the marathon in 10 hours 47 minutes, which was slightly quicker than his target time of 11 hours.

This year’s winning time was six hours 46 minutes and was also the third fastest ever time at the NDW50.

It is the eighth year this 50-mile course has been used, following the North Downs Way National Trail from Farnham to Knockholt Pound on the outskirts of Greater London.

Oliver also managed to raise £2,110 for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care - just over his £2,000 target.

He said: “I wanted to raise money for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice because I and many other people in the area have known people treated by them, and it’s such a great cause.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated, it pushed me on to dig deep and finish the race.”

But, the challenges aren’t over for Oliver yet as he travels to Germany to take on the Zugspitz Ultratrail marathon event, taking place from tomorrow through to Sunday.

This year’s seventh event will see hundreds of participants running around Germany’s highest mountain, completing demanding trails and enjoying stunning views.

Find out more about this mountain marathon at zugspitz-ultratrail.com/en/.