TWO runners took on an ultra challenge by pounding the roads between London and Paris to raise money for charity.

Ian Shelley, 43, and Bill Guiver, 44, known as ultrarunners due to the number of miles they cover, ran the 202 miles to raise funds for Southend and Chelmsford Mind, and eating disorder charity Beat.

The pair have raised more than £2,000 for the charities and battled torrential rain and hot sun to make it to the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

Ian, who only took up running in 2011, said it was a challenge he would never forget.

He said: “We nearly did not make it, but we dug deep. Our feet were shredded, but we got through it in the end.

“We got absolutely soaked running through East Grinstead. We ended up having to stop in a McDonalds, but our feet never really dried off, so that didn’t help.

“Then we had some scorchers running through France.”

Ian’s daughter Chloe suffers from an eating disorder and that has inspired his running.

The pair were aided by Bill’s brother-in-law Steve May, who drove their support car and supplied food and water throughout the gruelling challenge.

To donate to their cause, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/RL2P