A MAMMOTH 100-mile challenge across Cornwall was completed by a local mountaineer at the weekend in aid of the East Cornwall Search and Rescue Team.

Edward Buckingham, who was the first Cornishman to climb the highest summit on each of the world’s seven continents, ran 104 miles in just 36 hours and 50 minutes from the south coast, to the north, and then back to the south.

The adventurer began his gruelling test of endurance in Looe, before heading north to Boscastle and then onto Padstow. With 13 support stops and two river crossings along the way, he then headed south to Fowey, before following the coast path back to where he started.

On the morning after completing the challenge, Ed said: “Obviously, I am feeling all the particular problems that are associated with doing something of this magnitude, but the biggest emotion is that I am grateful.

“Grateful to the friends and support of those that helped me make this happen. On a personal note, the three biggest things that were fundamental in me completing this challenge was 12 months of planning, knowing the area and the weather.”

Ed tackled the challenge to raise funds for a charity that provides an inland search and rescue service for lost, missing and injured people across East Cornwall.

Having taken out helicopter repatriation cover on past trips without ever needing to use it, the mountaineer wanted to help those that do get into distress and need support from their local rescue team.

A spokesperson from East Cornwall SRT added: “This wasn’t just a run, this was a test of human endurance, a journey through pain, fatigue, darkness, doubt, and the wild Cornish landscape — and Ed kept going. Mile after mile, step after step, heart first, legs second.

“He has pushed himself through 100 miles of brutal terrain, thousands of feet of ascent, changing weather, night running, and sheer exhaustion - the mental battle that only ultra‑runners truly understand.

“And he did it for us - for the volunteers who head out day or night to help those in need across Cornwall. From all of us at East Cornwall Search and Rescue Team, thank you Ed. Your determination, your spirit, and your commitment is extraordinary.”

To make a donate to the East Cornwall SRT, visit Ed’s fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/edbuckinghamrunsalongway