Fastest Brit David finishes brutal hill run

said: “I started ultra running a couple of years ago and I’ve been gradually increasing the distance.

“This is a step up at 100 miles. The longest I’ve run before is the Highland Fling which is 53 miles from Milngavie to Tyndrum. It was just over half of the West Highland Way. It is quite a big jump.

“I’ve been doing a lot of running in the hills as the UTS challenge is very hilly. I’ve been doing night runs once I come in from work, so I’m preparing for the sleep depravation too as it will be 30-36 hours of continuous running.

“I started hill running before ultra running as I live in the hills and enjoy being there.

“Finishing will be very satisfying but it’s not guaranteed. A lot can go wrong.

“This is the first time the event has ever been run. I saw it on Facebook and signed up – I don’t know if it was a brave or stupid decision!

“We drive down on Friday morning and the race will start at 5pm on Friday. I turn 42 on Sunday, so I hope I can celebrate by crossing the finish line.

“I chose Mindspace because I thought this would be a good opportunity to raise awareness and some support for a local charity which has helped my family this year.

“A challenge like this is more mental than it is physical, which symbolises what Mindspace help people overcome.”

The event proved incredibly tough, with David making up the quarter of entrants who managed to complete the gruelling task.

Finishing just shy of 40 hours, the Ochil Hill Runner crossed the finish line in Llanberis on his birthday, finishing as the fastest Brit.

Speaking after the race, David said: “This was an awesome event, although it was somewhat brutal with 75 per cent of those who started the 100-mile race not finishing.

“I finished second overall and first in the over 40 category.”

Tracey Reilly, from Mindspace, said: “The UTS is a huge challenge and we’re really appreciative of David taking this on for us.”

You can still donate at: https:// mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/ davidwallace1