The Celtic 7 Marathon Challenge running duo are facing their toughest challenge yet as they face the most gruelling course of all on Sunday.

Peter McGahan, owner of Worldwide Financial Planning, and Stephane Delourme, the head chef at Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, face Galicia – an event classed as one of ‘high technical difficulty’.

The pair travelled from Stansted on Friday morning to complete Galicia before travelling north to Loch Ness in Scotland with the grand finale at Cornwall’s Eden Project at the end of October.

Speaking about Sunday’s Celtic 7 Marathon Challenge, Peter said: “This is our most difficult challenge yet. There are two points in the run which need to be ran past by a certain point and if runners do not make it they are automatically disqualified.

“Everything about this run is tough. Between 11km and 18km there is a 600m rise. Between 19km and 32km there is a steep downhill of 900m. Then at 32km, when glycogen in the muscles has normally run out, there is a 640m rise to the finish at 42km.

“That is a test of running 7km with a consistent gradient of over 8.5 per cent and finishing the last 10km with a consistent gradient of just over 8 per cent.”

The other difference with this marathon is that runners also have to carry their own water.

Stephane said: “Galicia is the only marathon where runners can be disqualified at the beginning if you do not have your own water to carry. It’s such a tough race but we are ready for the challenge.

“We are dedicating this particular run to the Invictus Trust which helps teenagers with mental health issues.”

Peter and Stephane say they will be running between 868m and 1,800m of altitude which will also impact their performance.

Stephane added: “Altitude has a toll on your body. Recovery from hard running at altitude is slowed because of an increased production of free radicals in the muscles. These free radicals contribute to fatigue and hamper recovery. We will indulge in more antioxidants both before and after the run. We will also top up on iron. Red blood cell mass and oxygen demands increase at a higher altitudes.”

There’s only two more marathons to do after Sunday’s challenge.

Peter and Stephane are raising money for the Invictus Trust, Ellie’s Haven, which offers relief to families with children suffering long term and life limiting illness sand Action For Children, a national charity which gives a voice to the most vulnerable, disadvantaged and neglected children and young people.

They are hoping to raise a total of £50,000. Anyone wishing to donate can do by visiting the Celtic 7 Marathon Challenge page on Virgin Money Giving.

Peter said: “Thank you to everyone who has kindly donated including people who have been doing the Ice Bucket Challenge for our three causes. If there’s anyone else wants to jump on board with this we would greatly appreciate it.”

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