Richard Butterwick took on the challenge of the 45km (28 miles) Transvulcania Marathon on the scenic island of La Palma in the Canary Islands.
The mountainous off-road trail featured 2500m of ascent as it rose above the clouds to follow an undulating path rising around the Caldera de Taburiente.
Full concentration was required on the technical unforgiving volcanic terrrain, made all the more difficult by the altitude and temperatures up to 25’C.
The last 18km were a steep unrelenting descent from the highest point of the island to sea level at Tazacorte, including a spectacular zig-zag path down a precipitous cliff face in the final 1.5km.
Richard put in a strong performance to complete the course ahead of expectations in 6:22:51 for 103rd place out of nearly 600 runners.