AS the weather warms up and the days continue to get longer, runners have been taking up a variety of long distance challenges, often to raise cash for their favourite charities.

Darwen Dasher George Morini was one of the first to get into his stride this summer, running the length of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal in early May.

He spread the load over five days averaging a full marathon stint of 26 miles each time in around five hours.

Many of his friends helped him along the way and a group of Dashers cycled alongside him on the stretch from Brierfield to the Boatyard at Riley Green.

By the end George had raised around £1600 for Soldiers, Sailors, Airman and Families Association (SSARA) who provide help to ex-servicemen.

This wasn’t the first Dashers’ expedition on this stretch of water though as George Thompson celebrated his 60th birthday by running the length of the canal in sections as training runs.

Over the course of more than two years he had 21 trips and finished on the Rufford Branch on the last day of February.

In April we reported that John Swift of Chorley Athletic Club would be attempting his ‘70 at 70’ challenge by running 70 miles in 24 hours at the age of 71.

His journey would follow the Pennine Way from Gargrave in the West Riding to Edale in the Derbyshire Peak District.

Although he planned his run for the last weekend in May, it turned out to be a constant battle against the elements right from the 3am start.

The rain eased off after seven hours but excessively strong winds slowed progress.

His aim to cross Kinder Scout before darkness fell was thwarted but, helped by a committed team of helpers, they succeeded in reaching Edale in 22 hours 50 minutes.

John is collecting sponsorship for the Help for Heroes Charity and hopes for a final total of £2,000. Donations can be made through www.bmycharity.com/70at70tohelpHeroes.

Clayton-le-Moors Harrier Mike Wallis was a week earlier with his attempt at the Joss Naylor Traverse, but the weather was again unkind with a south westerly headwind, low cloud and poor visibility over the tops.

The weather deteriorated further with gale force winds and driving rain.

The legendary Joss Naylor set the challenge that involves climbing 30 tops, crossing 48 miles of mountain terrain and ascending nearly 17000 feet.

It starts at Pooley Bridge, Ullswater at the northern end of the Lake District and finishes at Greendale Bridge, Wasdale on the western edge.

The run is purely for veteran runners over 50 with each age group being given a specific time limit.

Being in his early fifties Mike’s target was 12 hours, and he got home with time to spare in 11 hours 39 minutes. He is collecting sponsorship for Cancer Research UK and you can help his efforts with an online donation at www.justgiving.com/mike-wallis.