A father who took part in a gruelling mountain marathon which was called off due to treacherous weather has spoken of the “worst day” he has experience on the race.

Martin Sellens, of Mersea Road, Colchester, told The Gazette about the horrendous conditions at the weekend’s Original Mountain Marathon in the Lake District, which saw some competitors rescued and others shelter from rain and high winds at a former mine.

The 56-year-old, who took part in the two-day event for the first time in 1982, said it was the worst day he had ever spent on the Fells.

He said at times he was blown off his feet and had to crawl on his hands and knees.

“I felt concerned but I never personally really felt in danger. It was extremely uncomfortable,” Mr Sellens said.

He said his son Chris, 24, who also took part in the marathon, suffered minor injuries when he fell down a slope, and as a result took the decision to pull out.

Chris had been competing in the elite class when the accident happened.

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