A Shepton Mallet runner has completed her 300th marathon after years of serious health setbacks — and says she has no intention of stopping there.

Emma Challis reached the milestone at the Ham & Lyme 50k on Saturday, 19 September, finishing in six hours and 30 minutes and crossing the line 66th out of 198 runners.

She was also the 17th woman home from a field of 86.

Emma marked marathon number 300 with a sash and dedicated the achievement to her late neighbour Terry, who had lived next door to her for 20 years.

She said: "Never a cross word between us in all that time. Brilliant neighbour. I miss him terribly."

There was pink champagne and cupcakes waiting at the finish, which Emma shared with fellow runners after completing the 50k.

She said: "Ham and Lyme 50k was super and I enjoyed the pink champagne and cupcakes at the finish, sharing them with as many runners as possible."

Reaching 300 has particular significance for Emma because of the health problems she has faced over the past decade.

Emma has Factor V Leiden, an inherited genetic condition which increases the risk of developing blood clots and which she manages with medication.

In 2015 and 2016, she survived multiple large clots in her limbs and lungs. She said the recovery took years, but running remained part of her life throughout.

Emma said: "Recovery took years but I kept running. It helped me deal with my anxiety."

She said managing the condition has also meant paying close attention to her medication, working with her pharmacist to identify which brands are effective for her.

The road to 300 has included other setbacks too, including broken bones and concerns over damage to her kidneys and liver.

But Emma says her health is now better than it was before the clots.

She said: "I'm now healthier than before the clots came and plan to keep running, cycling and swimming as long as I can — hopefully for decades more."

And 300 is nowhere near the finishing line she has in mind.

Emma said: "I want to reach at least 1,000 marathons and still keep going."

Her longest single event so far has been 102 miles at Albion Running's West Country Ultra.

But for Emma, the appeal of running is not simply about the mileage or the number of medals.

She said: "I run to enjoy. Fresh air, peace, nature, stunning views, good conversation."

And even after 300 marathons, crossing the line has lost none of its appeal.

Emma added: "That amazing feeling as I cross that finish line never diminishes. I hope to share it with many more people."

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