Three sports mad West Cumbrians have launched a new challenge to support mental health in the region, with a 109 KM ultra marathon planned for the June Jubilee Bank Holiday.

The three friends, Alan Murray, Martyn Wilson and Ryan Long, will be running together through the sixty six mile long ordeal, but away from running they are fierce rivals in rugby league and football.

Alan said: "Myself and Martyn grew up playing rugby league together at Salterbeck Storm, but Martyn is a big Whitehaven Fan and I'm one hundred percent Workington Town. It's just as bad with football.

Whitehaven News: Workington Town Captain Jamie Doran Alan Murray Ryan Long Martyn Wilson and Whitehaven's Alex Bishop at Kells clifftops PIC: Ben ChallisWorkington Town Captain Jamie Doran Alan Murray Ryan Long Martyn Wilson and Whitehaven's Alex Bishop at Kells clifftops PIC: Ben Challis

"Martyn is a big Leeds United fans, whereas myself and Ryan support Manchester United. Of course we are friends, and we would always put aside that rivalry to run together, and try to help combat mental health issues in Cumbria."

The trio launched their challenge on the cliff tops at Kells in Mental Health Awareness Week with the help of Workington Town captain Jamie Doran, Whitehaven's popular Australian half back Alex Bishop, and local sports photographer Ben Challis.  Town captain Jamie Doran said: "It's fantastic what Ryan, Martyn and Alan are doing, and I am just so pleased I can support them. Hopefully this will raise awareness and much needed funds for metal health initiatives".

Whitehaven News: Workington Town Captain Jamie Doran Alan Murray Ryan Long Martyn Wilson and Whitehaven's Alex Bishop look down the coast from Whitehaven to Allonby PIC: Ben ChallisWorkington Town Captain Jamie Doran Alan Murray Ryan Long Martyn Wilson and Whitehaven's Alex Bishop look down the coast from Whitehaven to Allonby PIC: Ben Challis

Th trio have picked six charities and organisations to benefit from any funds raised: Andy's Mans Club, Every Life Matters, Together We, Healthy Hopes, Mind and the Allerdale Community Mental Health Team.

Martyn said: "We picked these six charities because of their relevance to mental health in Allerdale and Copeland, and because they can help both locally and nationally."

Whitehaven News: The route the runners will takeThe route the runners will take

Alan, Martyn and Ryan have set an initial target of five hundred pounds, and over half of that had already been pledged at the launch- the trio are also keen to involve other runners to join them on the route and Ryan  To donate visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ultramentalhealthmarathon2022