AN AVID runner has set a record time of running Dorset’s coastline - less than 24 hours - while raising money to protect the county’s Jurassic Coast.

Ultrarunner Dan Williams ran and speed-hiked all the way from Ware in Lyme Regis to Chewton Bunny in Highcliff in 23 hours, 57 minutes and 30 seconds, setting a benchmark fastest known time.

He covered 101 miles, including a 13,000 ft climb and a loop of the Isle of Portland, all in aid of the Jurassic Coast Trust.

The Dorset Coast Running Challenge was the idea of Andy Palmer, director of White Star Running.

He said: “As we are working with the Jurassic Coast Trust to create Run Jurassic, we thought it would be a jolly day out to set the record for the fastest border to border run along the Jurassic Coast.”

Dan, who already holds the fastest known time for around the Isle of Wight, was supported by other runners and the team at White Star Running, who stayed up all night to follow Dan and supporting runners with food and drink along the way.

He was also joined on the first leg of the run by Bridport runner Adam Slater and Dr Sam Rose, Jurassic Coast Trust’s chief executive. Together they ran 12.5miles from the Devon boarder to Freshwater Beach Holiday Park.

Dan said: “In the months prior, I increased my training – with a few minor blips – ran lots of hills and steps and learned most of the route on numerous trips.

“With less than half a mile to go I let the others know that I’d be passing them, that I’ll leave them. It was only polite. I wasn’t going a different route, but I was about to drop the hammer and I did.

“That was the biggest adrenaline moment I have ever had, to be running at a 5km pace after 100 miles, I would never have believed it.”

Dan faced his greatest challenges alone at night where he faced wind, navigation issues due to the dark and muddy fields that hampered movement. Physically he battled knee pain, hypoglycaemia and recurring stomach issues.

Lucy Culkin of the Jurassic Coast Trust said: “The Jurassic Coast Trust team are so grateful that Dan chose to raise money for us as part of this incredible challenge.

“Thank you also to White Star Running for organising the event.

“Please support Dan by visiting his Just Giving page.

“If you are feeling inspired by Dan’s epic achievement, join us on the weekend of September 27 to 29 for Run Jurassic – the official Jurassic Coast Running Festival that will showcase the amazing Dorset coastline, part of England’s only natural World Heritage Site.”

For more information, contact Guy Kerr on 07904 990207 or email guy.kerr@jurassiccoast.org