FOUR Anglesey and Gwynedd runners are aiming to break the fastest known time for the Offa’s Dyke path.

The ultra-run will see them aim to beat the 64 hours 10 minutes record, set by Michael Wood in July 2012, to raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance.

Taking part are Jason Harper, 47, from Valley Anglesey, Nia Albiston, 40, from Amlwch, Anglesey, Gordon Hughes, 37, from Llanaelhaearn Gwynedd, and Laurent Gorce, 43, from Abererch, Pwllheli, Gwynedd.

The runners start at the south point of the Offa’s Dyke Path, near Chepstow, on Friday, March 22, running 177 miles to reach the finish point in Prestatyn on Sunday, March 24.

The runners will have to break for short sleeps at two points through the race, but aim to maximise their running time.

Jason Harper, also the race director for the Cybi Coastal Marathon, said: “I’ve only been running for just over four years.

"In 2009, I was told that I would be disabled after an emergency operation on my spine and after suffering nerve damage.

"After committing to physio to aid my recovery I then took up running and haven’t looked back. I have two ultra marathons under my belt, both with top 20 positions."

French teacher and chef Laurent Gorce said: “I started running three years ago after a friend of mine, of a similar age, was taken away by cancer.

"It made me realise that life is short and that it’s important to try and achieve and experience new things. As well as being a chef and a teacher,

"I’m also a running guide and coach so this felt like a challenge that would play to my strengths but also push me.

"I did a ‘couch to ultra challenge’ in 11 months and have achieved a top ten finish in my toughest two races. "Hopefully people will give us a cheer when they see us on the Trail and fingers crossed we can beat the time!”

Full-time GP Nia Albiston commented: “I love being out in the wild and exploring the outdoors. Running is my way to get outside and get active so this challenge is perfect!

"I’ve run a couple of ultra marathons but most of my competitive running has been in fell races. This challenge will be my first ever multi-day ultra run so I’m a little nervous but mostly excited.

"It’s a confidence boost to get the backing of a Welsh brand like Wild Trail and hopefully our run will help raise awareness and funds for the Wales Air Ambulance which is such an important charity. Wish us luck!”

Gordon Hughes said: “When I was 32 I quit smoking. I’d been smoking for half my life and couldn’t walk up stairs without being out of breath.

"Five months later, I did the Three Peaks Challenge in 22 hours 30 minutes and entered my first running race three weeks later. I’ve done a few ultra races including the 200-mile Race Across Britain and 214-mile Race Across Scotland."

The event is supported by Wild Trail. Its manager, Jim Williams said:"As a proud Welsh brand, we’re delighted that the team is using the challenge to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance charity.

"We have an office in Monmouth, so we’ll be cheering them on their way."

For more details: see https://www.facebook.com/offasdykechallenge/

For information on the Wales Air Ambulance see www.walesairambulance.com.

For Wild Trail visit www.wildtrail.co.uk or @wildtrailsnacks