Oxford runner Bonnie van Wilgenburg was overjoyed after helping the Great Britain women’s team come sixth at the International Association of Ultra-runners World Trail Championships in France.

Van Wilgenburg, of Somerville College, Oxford, was part of the 12-strong British team taking on the punishing 52.8 mile course around Lake Annecy.

As well as the double marathon distance, the 287 competitors had to contend with a 5,300m climb.

The race was mentally broken up into four legs, with three checkpoints.

Despite starting with a 1.6 mile sprint to the first mountain, Semnoz, the route involved very little flat running.

Wilgenburg said: “The race started at 3.30am, so the frontrunners who continued at high speed up the hill, arrived at the top in the dark “I enjoyed a beautiful sunrise and before I knew it I had an easy jog up Semnoz, which is 1,200m high.

“This was the first of many inspirational moments of race. The views were stunning.

“The whole experience was amazing. I feel so fortunate for having been part of the World Championships.

“Every single person on Team GB & NI is an inspiration to me.”

The leading trio of GB women runners recorded a combined time of 34hrs 41 mins 8 secs to secure sixth.

Britain’s men’s team came third, while host country France took both titles.