ULTRAMARATHON runner Chris Patterson is nearly half way through a staggering 52 marathons in 52 weeks challenge - and has already finished a gruelling Great Wall of China event in six hours.

The 35-year-old, who works for Wantage-based construction firm Stepnell, is raising money for international charity Hope for Children.

And this weekend he competed in his 20th marathon of the year in Stockholm.

During the Great Wall Marathon – which has been described as one of the world’s most challenging long-distance races – Mr Patterson climbed more than 5,000 steps and had to contend with steep ascents and descents amid stunning scenery.

The challenges also include battling with injury and he admits he is currently ‘carrying quite a few injury issues’ but attempting to ‘work through it as best I can.’

After the Great Wall Marathon he added: “I am officially broken... I’ve done a fair bit of damage.”

The jetsetting challenge has seen Mr Patterson – a senior estimator with Stepnell – compete in various countries since starting the challenge in January in Anglesey.

He has since run in Gran Canaria, Malta, Rome, Edinburgh and Barcelona.

This is not his first eyebrow-raising fundraiser for Hope for Children: two years ago, he ran the Marathon des Sables, a 264km race across the Sahara Desert.

He said: “I found myself needing another big challenge to motivate myself, so 2018 became the 52 in 52 challenge.

“This seemed to be the most I could do whilst still working full-time. My employers at Stepnell have been really supportive, spreading the word and sponsoring me.

“52 in 52 gives me another great opportunity to raise money for Hope for Children, which does some really important work across the world, educating children, empowering their families and helping them to improve their health and wellbeing.”

He is already approaching his £12,000 target, raising more than £11,200 for the charity so far this year.

Fans can keep up to date with his progress by searching ‘Kip does 52 in 52’ on Facebook, or ‘kip_patterson’ on Instagram.

Mr Patterson continued: “The Great Wall was a really tough challenge with hot and humid conditions and so many stairs, but I really enjoyed having the chance to look around at the amazing scenery.

“I can’t believe that I’m already a third of the way through this challenge.”

Mr Patterson is hoping that he will be able to visit a live project between events.

Sponsor Mr Patterson online at h4c.everydayhero.com/uk/52-marathons-in-52-weeks