Tunnel marathon in D-Day bunker is UK first

Nearly 100 people ran laps of a World War Two underground bunker in what is believed to be the UK's first fully underground marathon.

Saturday's race was held in the UCAP Airsoft tunnels near Portsmouth, formerly the Royal Navy's underground headquarters used to track troops on D-Day.

Sections of the course were unlit or had low ceilings, with runners required to wear helmets and head torches for safety.

Ultra marathon runner Laura Watts, who won the women's trophy, described the race as "brilliantly bonkers".

Laura, from Bognor Regis, said: "This is the first marathon I've ever won.

"In 1944 there were 700 staff working underground here. I bet they never dreamed that, 80 years later, 100 people would be running a marathon in there."

Michael Burke from Haywards Heath took the men's trophy, completing the 91 laps in 3hr42min.

Jay McCardle of organiser Sussex Trail Events said the race had been a success.

"One person kept hitting their head and a few people showed me scratches on their helmets," he said.

"About half the runners were in fancy dress. It was very good, I cannot fault it."

Sussex Trail Events - founded by Jay and fellow running enthusiasts Danny Cunnett and Chris Ette - specialises in holding marathons in quirky locations, including prisons, a pier, a museum and a multi-storey car park.

Jay, from Worthing, said the trio were constantly on the hunt for unusual venues.

Recent suggestions have included a disused mine, an office rooftop and another tunnel - this time under a river.

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