WHEN it comes to running during the wet and dreary winter months a lot of self-motivation is needed to get your running kit on and get your running legs out!

Camelford husband and wife, Matt and Sam Allan, ran very little during October, November or December and needed a reason to put in some extra effort to burn off those extra Christmas calories.

Matt said: “It was whilst driving during the night I had the idea of this January challenge and instantly I knew it would be a hit with a lot of our running buddies within our running group Camelford Up and Running.”

The challenge was to try to run a large amount during January from 25 miles, 50, or the big 100 and to finish the challenge on Sunday, January 28, with a roast and a medal at Bowood Park Hotel.

Matt said: “Under the hashtag of #Ranuarychallenge, seven of us ran the 100 miles with some running every day to help keep the miles clocking up.

“We also had many members running the 50-mile challenge, as well as an injured member, on the road to recovery clocking up 31 miles. Our challenge caught the attention of some members of other running clubs who also took on the challenge and regularly updated us with their progress. Adrian Brown from Launceston Road Runners clocked up 115 miles and his nine-year-old daughter Megan clocked up an amazing 25 miles too! We even had a local group of four walkers who took on the 50-mile challenge and they completed their distance at walking pace.

“On Sunday (January 28) many of us got together for a steady, very social six-mile run starting from Bowood. It was a damp, unappealing day but nevertheless 11 of us got together to run and on mile three is where my wife and I clocked over the 100-mile mark. We celebrated by popping a party popper! We had water stops and sweet treats on route to help keep us going.

“We also hosted a one-mile fun run for the kids. Hollie Allan (age nine) and Toby Rathbone, (age six) both ran the mile in just 10 minutes, which was an amazing achievement for both of them!

“After both runs each Ranuarychallenge runner (and walker) was rewarded with thier very own #Ranuarychallenge golden medal and many of us stayed at Bowood for a very well deserved roast and a pint.

“I’d like to thank the staff at Bowood for another fantastic meal and in particular Nigel who allowed us to use their changing facilities to get freshened up.”

The club always welcomes new members and can be found by searching ‘Camelford Up and Running’ on Facebook.