A marathon runner has taken on an ‘extraordinary’ challenge to help Citizens Advice Bucks.

Instead of the already challenging 26.2-mile regular marathon, Matthew Smith from Chesham decided to up to ante by tackling a 100 km ultra marathon race.

The 44.-year-old ran completed the gruelling run known as ‘100k to the Stones’ in unforgiving weather with sprinkles of thunderstorms. 

After completing the race in 15h 50 mins he said: “That was hard! Despite the aching everything, and blisters on top of blisters the Ridgeway is beautiful, but can be a bit rugged. I’m happy with my time but over the moon to actually have got through it in one piece!

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“There were times during the run that were a struggle and required a huge amount of determination.

“In the tough times knowing that people have supported me really kept me going! It’s for a very good cause- Citizens Advice Bucks helps so many people and it has been my honour to run for them.”

The CEO of Citizens Advice Bucks Thalia Jervis said the charity appreciated Matthew’s efforts to raise more than £1,000. 

The money will go towards volunteer recruitment and training so that they can “help even more people in need in Buckinghamshire,” she added.