ATHLETIC friends will battle thousands of miles of scorching heat and deserts for charity.

Running friends Philip Lynn, 34, and Chris Moulson, 39, of Hoole joined thousands of runners last week racing through the streets in the Chester Marathon.

The pair used the marathon as a kick start for their training for the Marathon Des Sables renowned as the ‘toughest footrace in the world’.

The mammoth race will see the two men from Hoole run 151 miles of the Sahara Desert covering six marathons in just five days carrying all their food and water on their backs in the scorching heat.

The two men, who met through Chester Hockey Club, have completed more than 26 half marathons, five marathons, two half Ironmen, two mountain marathons and one Ironman, and say they are looking forward to their ‘hardest challenge yet’.

Philip said: “I am always looking forward to the next challenge and have always wanted to do the race since seeing it on the TV as a boy.

“Combining completing this dream with raising money for MacMillan Cancer Support will be the motivation I need when I’m in the Sahara. Earlier this year my mum was diagnosed with cancer and knowing every mile will raise money for cancer sufferers will keep me going until the end.”

Chris will run for the GEM Appeal, which funds the Willink Unit at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, after his best friend’s son, Harry, started having treatment there.

He said: “Doing this ultramarathon is my way of helping to keep that treatment going for Harry and kids like him.”

Philip and Chris will be training hard for the race in April 2012. You can sponsor their mammoth challenge at www.justgiving.com