Hook Norton Harrier Cecilia Peterson has returned to Britain after competing successfully in the Western States' 100-mile Trail Race in California.

In temperatures slightly cooler than last year - not much above 30, C - the race started in the Olympic village at Squaw Valley at dawnwith a climb of 2,500 feet for the first five miles over rough and rocky terrain.

During the race, there was a total ascent of 18,000 feet and a total descent of 24,000 feet.

Compared with last year, the course was very dusty and dry, as California had little rain in the previous months.

Along the length of the route were about 20 aid stations where participants can fuel up on food, sports drinks and water, and petite Cecilia reckoned she drank 30 litres of fluid on her way round this gruelling event.

She finished under the 30-hour cut off point in 29 hours, 40 minutes, six minutes - faster than last year -- and beat a lot of men in the process.