Royston Runners

THREE members of Royston Runners completed the gruelling Tough Guy challenge on Sunday.

Joining thousands of other competitors, Toby Staines, Alex Windebank, and Paul Haynes completed the tortuous 13km obstacle course in South Perton, Staffordshire.

After facing an eight-mile cross country run, the Royston trio then had to conquer a series of obstacles including flame pits, barbed wire, ice cold underwater tunnels, sewer pipes, electric fences, and 40ft frames.

Of the 5,000 who entered, 3,000 managed to complete the course and receive their Tough Guy medals.

Paul Haynes said: "It was the most exhausting experience ever. But at the same time it was a lot of fun. We trained very hard for the challenge despite all three of us being very good runners.

"What was most amazing was the amount of camaraderie that was shown, and everyone was helping each other get through."

Staines was the first of the trio back in one hour 19 minutes, with Windebank crossing the line with Haynes in two hours 26 minutes.

Haynes said: "We're definitely looking to do it again next year, and hopefully we can get a few more from Royston involved.

"It's a worldwide event, so it was an unbelievable experience to be part of.