THE Xtreme 10k Challenge at the Catton Hall Estate near Alrewas attracted more than 200 entrants on Sunday despite arctic conditions.

Around three inches of snow fell the day before but it only served to encourage more effort and human bravado from the exertions of the many hardy runners who took part.

The course, an approximate 10k in length, consisted of a two-lap circuit of the estate's grounds and was made up of steep gradients, vicious declines, manmade obstacles, tunnels, 12-foot high hay bales, icy water and, of course, deep snow.

First person home was Uttoxeter RR athlete Robert Hall in a time of 39.15mins.

He was chased home by Alistair Gorrie who finished in 40.29 with Jacob Fry third in 41.21.

First of the many women taking part was Stafford Triathlon Club's Jen Seager in 50.49mins.

Kevin Wilson of organisers KP Events was delighted with such a good turnout and said: "On Saturday night as the blizzard raged we thought about postponing but people were calling, texting, emailing us and everyone said carry on if we could. It was, after all, an Xtreme event and, boy, the challenge was extreme."

A full set of results of the Xtreme Challenge are available at www.kpevents.net