THE recent snow was welcomed by two runners who are heading to Siberia next week to compete in one of the world’s toughest marathons.

Engineer Philip Blazdell and personal trainer Trevor Rackley will be running across the frozen surface of Lake Baikal in temperatures as low as -45C. The pair are taking part in the Siberian Ice Marathon on Sunday, March 4, in aid of Aylesbury-based Iain Rennie Hospice at Home, which works across Oxfordshire.

Runners have six hours to complete a 26-mile run in treacherous conditions including slippery, uneven ice, and up to 10 inches of fresh snow.

Mr Blazdell said: “This is my first marathon so the nerves have really been beginning to build.”

Mr Blazdell, 40, of Ambrosden, near Bicester, set a £10,000 target and his fund has been given a boost by members of Garth Daytime Support, which is based at Garth House, off Launton Road.

Over a three week period Sam Garner, 25, Scott Barnes, 35, and Mark Ridgway, 35, ran their own marathon in a slightly warmer spot, The Fitness Company gym, in Station Approach. The group raised a total of £115.

* To sponsor Mr Blazdell, go to justgiving.com/Philip-Blazdell