WHEN the going gets tough, Tough Guys get going writes Martin Harrington.

Fourteen Chorley Harriers, one from Chorley AC, three Darwen Dashers and a Clayton Harrier were among the 5,000 entrants to take part in this year's Tough Guy Challenge.

Held in Wolverhampton, the contestants first had to endure a 10 mile cross country run which included wading waist high through water and the infamous Elephant's Grave Yard. This was followed by an assault course the SAS would find pleasure in.

Apart from numerous climbing ropes and cargo nets, new for this year was having to wade chest high across a 1,000 foot lake. The object of the course is to test competitors to their limits of mental and physical endurance. After completing the event athletes can be proud to be called Tough Guys.

Lisa Unsworth from Chorley Harriers was fifth lady in 2hours 43minutes, a remarkable achievement. She said afterwards: "This was my second Tough Guy event and it will be my last. I'll make sure I'm on holiday at this time next year."

Each runner had their own story to tell, and Lee Meredith lost both soles from his running shoes in the first three miles. Nonetheless he completed the course virtually in bare feet. Last Chorley man home was Alan Matthews, and his reaction? "I feel grand as anything." Chorley Harriers: Terry Walton 2.13, Keith Johnston 2.17, Chris Lane 2.27, Pete Gillham 2.29, Jon Bell 3.05, Rudi Brits 3.32, Martin and James Harrington (father and son) 4.08, Lee Meredith 4.08, Janet Chaplin 4.15, Marie Alcroft 4.15, Frank Marston 4.18, Nicola Wyre-Holland 4.18, Alan Matthews 5.00.

Clayton: Paul Thompson 1.55.

Chorley AC: Clive Higgerson 3.00.

Darwen Dashers: Vinnie Brookes 2.18, Sam Fitzpatrick 3.10, Jim Taylor 3.10.

A summer Tough Guy event is planned for Sunday, July 30, and next year's event will be on January 28. For further details ring 01902 764422 or log on to the website at www.toughguy.co.uk

An alternative is the Salt Ayre Challenge organised by Lancaster and Morecambe AC. The event is described as a "tough and testing off-road challenge over seven miles of demanding terrain on a specially created course of natural and man made hazards."

It will take place on Sunday, February 27, and the closing date for entries is February 18. For details contact Pete Jackson, 129 Scotforth Road, Lancaster, LA1 4JN.

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