A COUPLE are challenging runners to enter a race to honour a 36-year-old champion athlete who died suddenly last month.

Nicky Fearn and John Withinshaw, of JDW Fitness, Thirsk, said they would stage the inaugural fundraising Ben Campbell 5k and 10k trail runs at Kilburn Woods to celebrate the life of the former Thirsk School pupil, who died from pneumococcal pneumonia.

They said the death of Mr Campbell, who had worked for Ripon-based Econ Engineering as a plater-welder, had left his twin sons and partner devastated and shocked all who knew him, as the disease mainly affects young children and elderly people.

In November, Mr Campbell overcame competition from 616 other runners to win the 10k Pain Barrier mud race in West Yorkshire by more than a minute, following strong performances in the Spartan Series of obstacle races last year.

Ms Fearn said 40 runners had already signed up for the event around Hood Hill and Sutton Bank on Sunday, April 12, which would be limited to 200 athletes.

She said: "Ben loved a challenge and it is for this reason that this idyllic location has been chosen for the race which we are hoping will become an annual occasion."

She said Mr Campbell's partner was considering which charity would benefit from the event.

For details, visit jdw-fitness.co.uk.