RUNNERS are celebrating after completing a mammoth 100 mile race.

Michelle Payne, a member of the Leigh Striders running club, set off on the journey from Winchester, Hampshire at 6am.

Ms Payne ran the first 55 miles with the support of Mark Farthing, from the Southend Flyers.

Heat and humidity increased throughout the day, leaving runners taking part in the South Downs Way 100 sweaty and thirsty.

Ms Payne was also supported by her crew of Sam and Andy Coombes and Vicky Irvine, from Southend Athletics, who met her at mile 65 and took it in turns to run and walk with her from mile 72 to the end.

Runners ran through fields of sheep, with plenty of mist and fog to keep them cool.

By mile 90 the tiredness was kicking in, but Ms Payne then met up with fellow Leigh Strider Colin Barnes, who had completed a 145 mile ultra-marathon two weeks previously.

Along with Mr Coombes, pushed her through the final part of the challenge, meaning she beat her 26 hour target, finishing in 25hours, 59 minutes and 29 seconds.