MORE than 2,400 people battled the intense heat during a gruelling 100km race along the Ridgeway through Oxfordshire.

Despite the soaring temperatures, there was a record turnout at the Race to the Stones challenge on Saturday and Sunday.

The race to Avebury Stone Circle stretches for two days from Lewknor, near Thame, along the Ridgeway, passing some of Britain’s most mesmerising landscapes.

Two teachers from St Edward’s School, Oxford – Gavin Turner, 34, and Simon Roche, 37 – were among those who completed the run, placing 156th overall.

Mr Roche said: “We stayed positive and had lots of support from family and friends out there, which really spurred us on.

“The pints at the end tasted pretty good too.”

He added: “We have been astonished by the support pledged by staff, students and their parents, and we remain hugely grateful for the generosity that they have shown.”

The duo raised just over £4,000 for St Edward’s School’s chosen charity, The Felix Project, which aims to tackle hunger and reduce food waste in society.

Event organiser, Nick Tuppen , CEO of Threshold Sports, said: “It was a fantastic weekend.

“There was a record turn out despite the World Cup, Wimbledon and the sweltering weather.

“Nearly 2,500 people took part over the course of the weekend coming to experience the stunning Oxfordshire route from as far afield as Nepal, New Zealand and Nigeria.”

Mr Tuppen added: “There were inspirational stories throughout from the athletic endeavours of the winner who crossed the finish line to the guy who proposed to his wife after she had walked the whole 100km trail.”

Threshold Sports, which says it 'delivers breathtaking challenges for people or companies' across the UK, also organises the 969-mile Deloitte Ride Across Britain and the South Downs Race to the King.

A date has already been set for next year’s Race to the Stones – July 13-14 – and entries will open on September 5.

To find out more and to register your interest go to racetothestones.com

To sponsor Mr Turner and Mr Roche visit justgiving.com/fundraising/julie-richens