RUNNERS were clearly affected by the heat when they arrived at the Cotswolds Conference Centre in Broadway during the longest six-day stage race in the world.

There were 35 runners who started the Children with Leukaemia Marathon of Britain in Malvern on Sunday but one has already dropped out due to low blood pressure, a direct result of heat exhaustion.

Nick Akerman, manager at the centre which was the designated resting point for Monday night, said the runners looked exhausted after completing the first 29-mile stretch from Malvern to Broadway.

He said one person struggled at Broadway Tower and had to rest for an hour but then continued.

All runners carry their own equipment and set up camp at various points along the 163-mile route to Nottingham.

Mr Akerman said it was exciting and something completely different to the centre's usual events.

"They used up a lot of our reservoir showering themselves and washing clothes," he said.

Marathon organiser Rory Coleman said: "We are very concerned about the predicted temperatures and are currently monitoring all competitors.

"Our water supplies have doubled and on average each runner is consuming 15 to 20 litres of water a day.

"To date the Marathon des Sables is considered the toughest race in the world, but with similar temperatures and added humidity, this event has become the ultimate challenge.

"We are hoping the temperatures fall before the penultimate day when the competitors have to complete 53 miles."