A runner from Sidmouth engineered Grizzly success to raise more than £1,000 for charity.

Ian Beavis took on the race for Cancer Research last Sunday, and achieved his goal of finishing in less than four hours - seeing the clock at the end spurred him on for a sprint finish to come in at 3:59:26.

Organisers Axe Valley Runners estimate they have raised a quarter of a million pounds over the last 25 years, but admit they have no idea how much the individual racers have collected.

“I’m really pleased to have done it. I never expected to raise so much,” said Ian, a civil engineer.

“I chose Cancer Research because it’s a really important cause and so many people are affected by it – I lost a friend to it a couple of years ago, aged just 33.

“I found out the week before the race that my nan has been diagnosed with cancer as well.”

The Fortescue Road resident was looking for a new challenge after giving up football, but said he’s always been healthy so wasn’t daunted by the 20-mile run.

He was cheered on by his wife, Hannah, and children Bianca, Anais and Evan, aged six, four and two.

The 35-year-old thanked the supporters who helped him raise £1,052, including £250 from his company, Parsons Brinckerhoff.