A city couple have survived an “epic” journey across 1,000 miles as they travelled the length of the country for causes close to their hearts. 

Paul Saunders and Karen Doak, who live in Thorpe Hamlet, took on the Run Britannia challenge of 35 days of ultra-marathon running, from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

The experienced runners had run ultra races before but wanted to take their experience a step further, with Paul saying it was a “battle of physical and mental fatigue” for them to conquer. 

Paul, 51, works in marine engineering and Karen, 47, is a sports masseur – a trade which will have helped them survive their challenge. 

Norwich Evening News: Norwich couple Paul Saunders and Karen Doak took part in the Run Britannia challenge, running from Land's End to John O'Groats for good causes Norwich couple Paul Saunders and Karen Doak took part in the Run Britannia challenge, running from Land's End to John O'Groats for good causes (Image: Submitted)

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Karen said the hardest part was how “relentless” it was, with “being up early every day” and “moving hotel every night” making it feel “non-stop”.

The couple, who are joint secretaries of the Tri-Anglia triathlon club, have raised more than £5,500 for their efforts so far, with Karen having a particularly personal motivation. 

Her best friend Wendy has been diagnosed with the rare and serious disease pulmonary hypertension, which affects the heart and lungs, and is currently awaiting a lung transplant. 

Norwich Evening News: Norwich couple Paul Saunders and Karen Doak took part in the Run Britannia challenge, running from Land's End to John O'Groats for good causes Norwich couple Paul Saunders and Karen Doak took part in the Run Britannia challenge, running from Land's End to John O'Groats for good causes (Image: Submitted)

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Karen says her friend has been “unbelievably brave” in dealing with her condition and, as a result, Karen wanted to raise money for Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK to “help others in the same situation as Wendy”. 

Paul’s chosen charity is the Seafarers’ Charity, which supports the wellbeing of active and retired seafarers. 

Norwich Evening News: Norwich couple Paul Saunders and Karen Doak took part in the Run Britannia challenge, running from Land's End to John O'Groats for good causes Norwich couple Paul Saunders and Karen Doak took part in the Run Britannia challenge, running from Land's End to John O'Groats for good causes (Image: Submitted)

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They started their journey on June 3, departing Land’s End in Cornwall and making their way up the west side of the country, following some of the UK's most famous trails and paths such as the South West Coast Path, the Clyde Walkway and West Highland Way.  

After an almighty effort with rests only on Saturdays, they finally arrived at John O’Groats in Scotland on Friday, July 7.

You can support their causes at justgiving.com/team/paulandkarenrunbritannia2023.