Harpenden Arrows’ Patrick McGuinness battled through thunderstorms to complete arguably Britain’s longest and toughest non-stop race in fourth place.

Herts Advertiser: Patrick McGuinness and the Wall of Fame after he completed the Grand Union Canal Race.Patrick McGuinness and the Wall of Fame after he completed the Grand Union Canal Race. (Image: Archant)

The Grand Union Canal Race follows the entire 145-mile length, starting in Birmingham before finishing in the centre of London.

Competitors are required to finish inside a time limit of 45 hours, which he managed in an incredible 31 hours and five minutes, one of just 54 finishers from the 98 that started out.

Competitors are permitted to have a buddy runner with them from 65 miles onwards and fellow Arrows Nigel Douglas, Roger Montgomery, Ed Rhodes, Steve Bowran, Lyndon Hearn, Graham Halkyard and Chitra Dunn, supported McGuinness over the final 80 miles.

He said: “While the canal race is a tough event, the friendship, support and encouragement I received from fellow Harpenden Arrows members meant I had a thoroughly enjoyable experience.”

Herts Advertiser: Patrick McGuinness is presented with his finishers medal for completing the Grand Union Canal Race.Patrick McGuinness is presented with his finishers medal for completing the Grand Union Canal Race. (Image: Archant)