 The challenge has been attempted but abandoned before |
One runner has pulled out while another is continuing in an attempt to run the South Downs Way in less than 24 hours. Rob Ravilious and Gordon Elliot set off from Winchester, Hampshire, on Saturday morning on a course the equivalent of four non-stop marathons.
Fatigue forced Mr Elliot to abandon the run after seven hours. Meanwhile, Mr Ravilious is said to be "going strong".
The 106-mile (171km) feat, which ends in Eastbourne, East Sussex, is in aid of the Naomi House children's hospice.
Mr Elliot, from Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, told BBC News: "I had to pull out, I was burned out. Rob is still going strong. I said to make the time he had to leave me behind."
African desert
Mr Elliot said his running partner, from Guildford, Surrey, was in good spirits when he was seen by friends en route at about 1730 BST.
Mr Ravilious is running unsupported through the night, carrying his own clothes, water and food - including energy bars and pepperoni sticks.
The pair have tried to do the same non-stop route before but on that occasion stopped after 70 miles because of exhaustion and bad weather.
The pair practised for their latest feat at this year's 20th anniversary Marathon des Sables, a 150-mile (240km) epic in the African desert.
Naomi House relies on voluntary donations of �2.5m a year to provide respite and terminal care for children and support to their families.
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