A GROUP of dedicated soldiers are currently in the process of racing from Lands End to John O'Groats.

Beginning the challenge from Lands End in Cornwall at 7am on Monday, April 4, a mixed team of runners from the Royal Army Physical Training Corps are aiming to break the world record of 4 days, 18 hours and 2 minutes.

To achieve their goal, a team of 12 runners are running the 813-mile distance as a 'relay' race, where each person runs individually and each team member carries on the challenge from where the previous runner finishes.

This structure means that there will be someone running at any given time throughout the week.

While attempting to beat the world record, the soldiers are also raising funds and awareness for the Royal British Legion.

St Helens Star: Members of the Royal Army Physical Training Corps Members of the Royal Army Physical Training Corps

Coming from all over the UK, the group of 12 includes Liam Mills, a Scottish native and Newton-le-Willows resident who has served in the military for 18 years.

Liam, 34, said: "As a group, we are all runners ranging from those doing 10ks up to those running ultra marathons.

"We thought of what challenge we could do as a group that would grab people's attention across the UK, and came up with this.

"We will run the challenge in two groups so one team runs through the day and one runs through the night.

"Each day, we are aiming to run around 16-20 miles individually and around 200 miles as a team."

Prepared for the week's challenge, Liam said that the closest the team are planning to run to St Helens is passing through Winnick and Golborne as they make their way up the country.

Liam added: "We are all experienced runners so I think we can beat the record.

"We are going to have to run a bit quicker than we are used to, but I think each of us will be spurring each other on to make sure that we do it."

To donate to Liam and the soldier's fundraising page, visit this link