Extreme runner powers into lead

Bob Brown is running the equivalent of two full marathons every day

A man from Cornwall has achieved an impressive 24 hour lead in a 3,100 mile race across America.

Bob Brown, from Stoke Climsland, is the only UK athlete in the field and has run 13,000 miles since the race started in California on 12 June.

After scaling the Rocky Mountains he still has 35 days to run before reaching his destination, New York.

The teacher is running to raise money for a Cornish children's charity, Country Holidays for Inner City Kids.

I just think of the actual day that I'm running Bob Brown

Mr Brown, 35, arrived at Byers in Colorado on Wednesday evening.

He described running through the Rockies as ''fantastic''.

He said:'' We climbed up to 11,500 feet - a 13 mile climb to the top.

''I just think of the actual day that I'm running rather than actually getting to New York because that just seems too far.''

Pasty power

The athlete is eating Cornwall's traditional snack to keep up his strength for his punishing schedule.

Cornish firm Ginsters has shipped out supplies to Mr Brown - who needs to consume 10,000 calories a day.

Mr Brown turned to ultra-distance running because he found marathons too short.

Born in Bushey, Hertfordshire, and a former Shaftesbury Harrier, he has already travelled the world to take part in extreme races.

Three years ago he completed a challenge of greater distance, the 3,250-mile Trans-Australia Footrace, running from the west to the east coast.