Chris Renton, from Melrose, starts the monumental challenge in the Lake District on Friday, May 8, and finish on Sunday, May 17.

Along with 15 others, he will run the same 26.2 miles each day, an anti-clockwise route circumnavigating England’s longest lake, Windermere.

Described by adventurer and extreme survival expert Bear Grylls as “an epic challenge that will require an epic strength of mind”, only 79 people have completed Brathay Trust’s 10in10 since it started in 2007.

And one of those is 50-year-old Chris who is hoping to be successful a second time.

When asked why he is returning to the event Chris said: “I feel very close to Brathay Trust for very personal reasons linked to my own youth in the 70s. Crossing the finish line gave me the chance to get rid of some of my own demons from my teen years.

“Brathay does incredible work with vulnerable and disadvantaged children who have had a bad start in their life. Being able to play a small part in that by raising much needed funds is a real pleasure. I was very glad to have raised £5,000 in 2014 and I will work just as hard to meet my 2015 target.” Chris is quick to say that completing the event last year, averaging just over four hours each day, doesn’t mean it will be any easier this time.

“I will have to train just as hard and hopefully I will be a bit fitter,” added Chris. “Each day is a challenge and, if I’m lucky enough, I will be able to look up now and again during the races and enjoy the stunning scenery that the Lake District has to offer.” Local people and businesses have already helped Chris raise over £2000 towards his target of £3000. And he hopes the support will continue with people donating to his JustGiving page - http://www.justgiving.com/Rents/ Scott Umpleby, Head of Fundraising at Brathay Trust, says the charity appreciates all that the runners do, including putting their lives on hold to prepare for the event and to fundraise. Scott describes is at one of the most scenic, and challenging, marathons in Europe and said: “It requires an amazing strength of mind and is surely proof that ordinary people can do extra-ordinary things. It’s an ethos that inspires our work with young people.”