TWO Malvern men will be taking part in a gruelling challenge to climb the UK's three highest peaks, while travelling from one to the other by sailing boat.

Chris Lewis-Farley and Laurence Wilson are competing in the Three Peaks Yacht Race, which starts tomorrow (Saturday) and is regarded as one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious adventure races.

And in case they become becalmed, Worcester Rowing Club has lent them some oars, since engines are not allowed.

Starting in Barmouth, on the Welsh coast, the teams have to climb the peaks of Snowdon, Scafell and Ben Nevis, while negotiating 389 miles of demanding coastal sailing, enough to challenge any skipper and crew.

The two are members of Team Rio, on board the Dutch yacht J-Quattro, and they will also be raising money for the charity Medecins Sans Frontieres UK.

Mr Wilson, a freelance production manager, said: "I'm a runner and I've done the race before for another team, so Team Rio contacted me, asking me to take part. They asked if I knew another runner and I thought of Chris, who's not taken part in it before.

"It takes three or four days and you're pretty shattered at the end of it, but it's a great sense of achievement."

Mr Lewis-Farley, a landscape officer for Malvern Hills District Council, said: “I am really thrilled to be able to take part in such a prestigious race and look forward to the challenge.

“The use of engines is not allowed, so should the wind and tide conspire against us we will have to row our yacht. Thankfully Worcester Rowing Club has very kindly provided the oars."

“For the runners, our challenge is to leap off the boat and run or cycle up and down Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis. We may be on the mountains in the dark some of the time and will cover approximately 60 miles of running and 40 miles of cycling. This includes 14,000 feet of ascent overall.”

MHDC leader Phil Grove said: “This is such an impressive race and we are really proud Chris is taking part in this huge challenge. We wish him all the best of luck.”