Marc West puts down his camera for an adrenaline-pumping run through the icy waters of West Oxfordshire

As I triumphantly staggered over the finish line outside the Tite Inn, I swore (quite literally) that I’d never put myself through that again. However, less than 10 minutes later – after recovering from what can only be described as the worst “brain freeze” known to man – I was, believe it or not, actually making plans to undertake this traditional local challenge again next December.

According to Cotswold legend, the gruelling Great Brook Run was started to celebrate the village’s proud repulse of the Viking terror at Coldron Brook. But, it could just as easily be something to do with two young chaps sampling the fine wares of the Cotswold Brewing Company and getting a bit carried away, who knows?

Having conquered the course a few times in the past, the call of duty unfortunately kept regular competitor and local resident David Cameron (yes, the Prime Minister) away on this occasion, but that didn’t stop a record entry of 148 others dragging themselves out of bed early and into their lycra.

Nerves really set in and the adrenaline got pumping once I was shoulder-to-shoulder on the start line (tweet me @marcwestoxford if you can see yourself) on Mill End alongside some serious looking contenders from Chipping Norton RFC and what can only be described as a sexy Santa.

It felt like I was going backwards during the mile-long cross-country dash and this was even before hitting the icy cold waters of Chadlington rapids – which began ankle deep and were nearing the nether regions at their deepest.

Approaching the bridge, I could barely feel my feet, but the cheers from the on-looking crowd gave me just enough of a boost to drag myself on hands and knees through Tite Tunnel and up the ladder at Drayman’s Grave to get back onto (not so) dry land once more. While I was way off the storming pace of fifth consecutive champ 20-year-old Ben Chapman, I’m more than pleased with a time of 12:45 to put me in 32nd place.

Anyone that tells you the GBR is easy is either a complete liar or a masochist (or both).

It’s one of the hardest physical challenges I’ve completed to date, but easily one of the most rewarding – and, most importantly, every year it raises a load of cash for local charities. If you too fancy making like a Viking, get December 27 in your diary now and visit greatbrookrun.co.uk for all details.

But, if you’re looking to burn off all those festive carbs as soon as possible, here’s another lovely event to get in training for right now. Voted one of the best road races in the UK, the Oxford Town & Gown 10k gives entrants the unique opportunity to run through the closed streets of the city centre and onto the beautiful University Parks finish line. So, on May 11 join 4,000 runners of all abilities in turning Oxford orange for the 33rd time to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

Visit townandgown10k.com/oxford