One of the world's most challenging endurance marathons starts in Cumbria

Traffic around Ambleside is set to come to a standstill when the deafening crack of the starter’s pistol sets 18 runners on their way to compete in the Brathay Trust Windermere 10 in 10 Marathon event which starts today, Friday 11 May.

Arguably one of the most daunting endurance events in the world, the Brathay Windermere 10 in 10 will see competitors undertaking a 262 mile challenge that manifests itself in the form of 10 marathons over 10 consecutive days. The runners are sure to gain the respect of more than just the running community as they pound the pavements and roads around Windermere, definitely one of the most picturesque marathon courses in Europe, in order to raise much needed funds for charity.

The 10 in 10, organised by Brathay Trust, the Ambleside based national charity that inspires young people to become successful, confident and responsible citizens, looks set to raise thousands of pounds for good causes as a record 18 runners have registered for this year’s event.

Each one of them will have to push themselves to the very limit of physical endurance if they’re going to complete the course.

“The runners have put their lives on hold for a year in order to get themselves into the best possible shape for this event,” says Brathay Trust spokesman Mark Bushell. “It’s not only a tremendous physical challenge, due to the undulating nature of the course, but will also test their mental strength to the full. The ‘Groundhog Day’ effect of running the same course, day in day out, has seen some of the finest runners fail to complete the challenge in the past.”

This year’s line-up includes some fascinating characters all determined not to be broken by the 10 in 10 challenge, as Bushell explains: “The runners have come from all over the UK including; London, Leeds and Bognor Regis, but we’re also delighted to have four local runners taking part this year with Sally Ford, Nick Woodward, Stuart Pyper and Paul Dewar representing Kirkby Lonsdale, Ambleside, Cockermouth and Ulverston respectively. Paul will also have the support of all the regulars at the Stan Laurel Inn, in Ulverston, which he owns. And if he completes the sinew sapping challenge, punters will no doubt toast his success with his especially brewed 10 in10 ale.”

The 18 runners set off from Brathay Hall, in Ambleside, at 9.30am today and conclude their challenge on Sunday 20 May in conjunction with the Brathay Windermere Marathon .

It’s sure to be a highly emotional experience for all those involved particularly those running in memory of ‘loved ones’.

“I can't think of a more wonderful running challenge than the Brathay 10 in 10,” says Jeff Prestidge of Watford, the Personal Financial Editor at the Mail on Sunday. “It involves beauty in the form of the magnificent backdrop of the Lake District. It will take both mental and physical strength and bring about great comradeship among those taking part. And of course, it's all being done for a superb cause - helping the super work done at Brathay in supporting disadvantaged young people. I've been running for more than 15 years, I have completed more than 50 marathons and I've done a few ultras - the Himalayan 150 mile stage race being the highlight. I am truly honoured to be running the Brathay 10 in 10.

 “I am fortunate in that I live and work in Ulverston, a wonderful part of the world and will be running the event practically on my doorstep,” adds Paul Dewer owner of the Stan Laurel pub in Ulverston.

“Although not a prolific marathon runner I have enjoyed running since representing the cross country team at school ( a very distant memory) and have run several marathons, including London 3 times and many races from 5k upwards. I have followed the 10 in 10 event for the last 2 years and participated in the wonderfully organised single marathon in 2011. I have finally plucked up the courage to have a crack at this ultimate endurance event and raise some cash for the thousand of young vulnerable people that need Brathay's helps to fulfil their potential and improve their well being. Bizarrely, I am looking forward to the 10 days in May!”