EXTREME runner Simon Barnes completed a virtually non-stop two-day challenge along the Thames towpath for BBC Sport Relief with just 18 minutes sleep.

Simon intended to run the 197.5-mile journey without stopping but was forced to power nap after feeling ill.

"I started to lose my balance and hearing and began to hallucinate badly," said Simon, who coaches a running club at Minchinhampton Primary School and runs Cotswold Allrunners.

"So much so that my support runner Mark thought I couldn’t continue.

"I had an 18-minute sleep, ate some pasta, wrapped up warm and got on with the remaining 60 miles."

Simon left the Thames Barrier in London at 7.48am on Friday, March 9 with the target of reaching the source of the river near Cirencester on the Sunday.

Battered, bruised and blistered, it took him 57 hours and 10 minutes, as he ran through two cold nights to finish at 4.58pm on Sunday.

BBC Sport Relief staff and Cotswold Allrunners members supported Simon by running the equivalent of half-marathons alongside him.

The idea behind the challenge was to raise the profile of BBC Sport Relief which is being held on Friday.

In particular, Simon wanted to promote the Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile at King George V playing fields, Nailsworth on Sunday from 11am to 2pm.

To take part go to www.sportrelief.com or www.carun.org Simon also raised £500 for BBC Sport Relief.