Winter Hill Runners husband-and-wife duo, Albert and Michele Sunter, made the longer journey than some for a race last weekend when they headed to the French mountains to compete in the Grand Raid Pyrennes.

Over the last 15 years Albert has competed in both the 80km and 160km events, but this year both runners had signed up for the Tour des Lacs 80km race.

However, due to adverse weather conditions and forecasts of heavy rain combined with thunder and lightning, the route was changed just the day before the race to 40km.

Disappointed but not deterred, both Sunters decided this shorter version would now be a much less intense affair and decided to run the race together.

At 5am on Saturday the race started and Albert and Michele set off on the first climb up passable roads, then ski slopes, to the Col du Portet.

Then they switched to the Néouvielle sector to reach the Mongie resort via the Col de Bastanet and the dreaded Serpolet climb.

After that there is a loop in the resort before the climb towards the Col de Sencours and descent to Tournaboup.

From there the course returns competitors to the Néouvielle area via the Aygues Cluses hut to pass the Hourquette Nère and reach the Col de Portet which leads back to Vielle Aure.

Both Albert and Michele crossed the line in a fantastic time of 8hrs 46mins.