THREE friends who ran 100 miles around Siblyback Lake in under 24 hours have raised around £1300 for the Liskeard and Looe Foodbank.

By the end of their 36 and a bit laps of the lake, Oli Jones, Dave Hannah and Gareth Price were suffering from gravel rash, knee agony and the sheer mental exhaustion of their challenge.

But they were also elated to succeed, and it was support from their families, friends, and the many parents and children from the schools where they teach which got them over the line in an incredible 22 hours and 36 minutes.

Special needs teacher Gareth provides support to children at various schools, Dave is headteacher at Duloe School and Oli teaches PE at St Cleer, Dobwalls, Upton Cross and Pensilva.

“The 100 miles was something that Dave and Gareth hadn’t done before, and for me, the challenge was to do it in sub-24 hours,” Oli explained.

“And the Liskeard and Looe Foodbank is a charity that’s been under pressure through this whole period.”

The three friends had trained together well in recent months and wanted a location where they could all be together and have some support on hand. Siblyback was ideal as they didn’t need to carry anything except water.

“I want to make special mention and thanks to our families who supported us, the East Cornwall Harriers who ran with us and all the parents, children, and friends who jogged or cycled round the course,” said Oli.

“We actually only did two laps where we were by ourselves, the support and company was incredible.”

The Foodbank was also a great presence on the day, installing a marquee at Siblyback.

Anne Lillie, who has just taken over the role of project manager at the Foodbank, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Oli, Gareth and Dave for their commitment to local causes. It was a great day: all the volunteers and myself were able to cheer the guys on, and also highlight the work of the Foodbank.”

Children at all of the schools had mufti days and donations of particular needed items such as tinned fruit and washing powder were requested and donated by parents, said Oli.

“The weather for the event was amazing – a bit too hot at some points, but it was dry, and we had beautiful moonlight shining over the water.

“Physically, by the end, your toes and feet are suffering, there’s blisters, gravel from the path got into my socks and basically sandpapered my ankles, and mentally you just get quite tired.

“We were hanging in there for the last 10 miles.”

Oli says he’s sorry to anyone who arrived at Siblyback to cheer them on just before the 24 hour mark. Having finished an hour and a half before, the weary runners had already headed home.

“We came in ahead of schedule, and we’re chuffed to bits that we’ve done it,” he said.