CHARD Road Runners member Helen Baxter headed off to Tollard Royal Dorset on Friday evening to take on the Epic challenge, a 50-mile race that had to include one of the four Ox races over the weekend.

Baxter took on the Dark Ox, a night time off-road 10k, starting at 9.30pm.

She kept a good pace and finished in 1:25:57 (192/266).

The following day, at 7.30am, Baxter was at the start line again, for the Ox 50-mile race.

She dug deep from early on but the warm weather and a lack of salt almost saw her challenge ended.

But the aid station and the support of another runner gave her a second wind.

As a result, and after 14h 10m, she completed her longest distance of 54 miles and the epic challenge.

Chard Road Runners host the Wambrook Waddle this coming Sunday (11am start) from the Tithe Barn, Cotley House, TA20 3EP; there is also a free-to-enter Children’s 3k (10.30am).