BONHILL runner Maurice Donohue has described the final stages of the inaugural Outer Mongolian Ice Marathon as the "longest nine of hours of his life" after taking a wrong turn and becoming detached from the rest of the group.

In fading daylight and as temperatures dipped to -34C, Maurice was eventually reunited with the other runners and the event staff after a search party was sent out for him.

A team of 10 runners made up part of a 20-strong team that took on the 26.2 mile race across the frozen River Tuul.

The conditions and terrain were brutal and risk of frostbite very high. Mongolia also has the lowest density of human habitation on earth and wolves are more prevalent then people. Fortunately for the group they had a team of husky dogs to pull supplies, their scent was enough to keep the wolves at bay.

Despite his ordeal Maurice, 52, insists it was all worth it for the exposure and money raised for Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and the Riding for the Disabled Association charities.

He said: “With beautiful scenery and landscape covered in snow, running on a river of ice with temperatures of -34c along with the camaraderie of fellow participants, it certainly was an event that I will not forget.

“My Mongolian Ice marathon did have an added bit of adventure as I took a wrong turning near the end of the race and ended up lost in the Mongolian countryside.

“With temperatures dropping and daylight fading, it certainly was a cause for concern in order to make myself safe and re-unite with the rest of the team and event staff. Having run a wee bit more than I should have, the good news was that after a search party was put together, Police and local personnel helping out, I was re-united with the event organisers and fellow participants.

“It was the longest nine hours I had ever experienced.

“I must say a big thank you to everyone for their support and good wishes surrounding my participation in the Mongolian Ice Marathon as it has made it all worthwhile especially for the profile and fundraising that has been given to the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and the Riding for the Disabled Association charities.

“Although this was an extreme challenge for myself, the message is still clear to promote sport and be physical for the benefit of mental and physical health and wellbeing, even if it just means going out and doing a little more waking.”

First place in the race went to seasoned endurance athlete, Doctor Andrew Murray, who added the Genghis Khan Ice Marathon title to wins in the North Pole Marathon, and the Antarctic Ice Marathon.

Murray, 35, of Scotland won in a blistering time of 3hrs 7minutes, with Douglas Wilson of Australia second in 3hrs 42mins, and Paul Dunstan of England third in 4hrs 12mins.

The women’s race was won by Lucja Leonard (Australia/ UK) in 4hrs 19 minutes, with Lenka Istvanova (Slovakia), and Marina Ranger (England) sharing second place. Third place went to Shona Thomson (Scotland) came third.

If you would like to donate please visit: tinyurl.com/gqcy58hhe expedition is raising money and awareness for Charities Riding for the Disabled Association and the Scottish Association for Mental Health, whilst legacy work in Mongolia will see the building of gers (homes) for needy families, and the provision of scholarships.

Fundraising link: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/GhengisKhanIceMarathon.