Fitness fanatics from South East Cornwall are part of a team taking on an epic challenge to run the entire length of the Cornish coast path, 296 miles, in just seven days this month.

The ten-strong team will be averaging 42 miles and on their feet for up to 12 hours each day as they push their bodies to the limit to raise £10,000 for the RNLI.

Setting off from Marsland near Bude on Sunday, June 12, they aim to complete all 296 miles of the Cornish coast path in seven days, running the flats and down hills and walking the steep climbs, finishing at Cremyll on Saturday, June 18.

Dean Burchell had the idea whilst he was serving in the Royal Marines but he was medically discharged before his idea came to fruition. After setting up his own personal training company and organising a series of obstacle races in Cornwall, he decided that the time was right to reignite the Cornish Coast Challenge.

Dean used social media to recruit a team of 10, nine runners and one driver, and had so many applications, he resulted in drawing names from a hat! The team is made up of: Dean Burchell from Liskeard; Damian Wallwork from Saltash; Ian Martin from Liskeard; Mike Dingle from Plymouth; John Hooper from London; Jack Llewllyn from Yealmpton; Gary Martin from Plymouth; Scott Brown from Liskeard and Kirstie Martin from Liskeard as driver.

The final team member, Pete Bennett, had to withdraw for medical reasons and will be replaced by a different person each day.

Each team member has a target to raise £1,000 each, with the day-runners raising £150. Dean is also running a Cornish cider fun run at Bush Farm, Saltash on Saturday, July 16 and aims to raise a total of £10,000 for the RNLI through both events.

Many local businesses are supporting the Cornish Coast Challenge.

The team would love people to support them along the route. To follow their progress and schedule visit www.facebook.com/CornishCoastChallenge/