A RUNNING duo has conquered one of the hardest marathons in the world in the hopes of helping youngsters with disabilities.

Charity founder Chris Read flew to China with his son Ben to take part in the Great Wall Marathon.

The race is staged in China's Tianjin province, and sees participants tackle over 5,100 steps which range in height from inches to knee-high.

The Great Wall of China Marathon course varies in height by around 200m between the start line and the highest point at East Tower 20.

Stone guard towers are spread along the length of the wall, each 200m to 300m apart.

The pair have completed over 100 marathons between them.

They said the China marathon was the hardest they had competed in.

Chris Read said: “It was a fantastic trip.

“The marathon was the hardest I'd ever done.

"It was such a tough course and my legs were on fire during the last few miles.

“We were pleased because we were the first British runners to finish.

"We are all so grateful to everyone who donated to the cause.”

The marathon – which started in 1999 – has seen 2,500 runners from over 60 nations complete the route.

The duo ran through the lower valley and into the villages to complete the marathon at just over the five hour mark.

Chris Read has completed marathons across the world and was introduced to the sport after he joined a running club as a youngster.

He was coached by former runner David Bedford who inspired his love of the sport.

The China trip was self-funded by the pair, and all donations will go towards Mr Read’s charity – A Smile for a Child.

He set up the organisation 12 years ago after he was made redundant from his job at Waitrose.

Mr Read wanted to give something back to the community and established the charity.

The organisation gives out grants of between £500 and £1,000 and larger ones where needed which enables disabled or disadvantaged children or clubs to buy specialist sports equipment that allows them to participate in activities other children might take for granted.

Mr Read runs the small charity from his home in Newton Aycliffe which allows him to keep running costs down.

The father and son team initially wanted to raise £1,000 to fund vital physiotherapy equipment for children and buy four months of physiotherapy for two disabled youngsters.

They were overwhelmed with donations and support and have raised £1,587.40 in total.

The pair are continuing to fundraise and hope donations will hit the 2,000 mark to fund six months of physiotherapy.

To donate to the cause visit justgiving.com/fundraising/ben-read8

The charity is looking to continue its work and is asking runners to race in aid of them at this year's Great North Run.

To run for the charity email asmileforachild@btinternet.com