A WEST Devon-based children's charity has expressed its deepest thanks to all runners who took part in the inaugural Eden Project Marathon and Half Marathon.

Children's charity CHICKS (Country Holiday for Inner City Kids) has thanked all runners from Cornwall and Devon.

One runner, Erin Christian from Lydford, who ran the full marathon, said: 'I thoroughly enjoyed the inaugural marathon at the Eden Project. The wind, rain and cold only added to the challenge of the gruelling multi-terrain course.

'I was delighted to raise £700 for CHICKS and thinking about the children I am helping kept me going during some of the more difficult stages.

'The Eden Project and St Austell running club did an excellent job of staging and managing quite a complicated route and the marshals did a tremendous job of keeping the runners motivated and running in the right direction. Overall an excellent experience — I will be back next year.'

CHICKS, which provides disadvantaged children with a respite break at their retreats in Tywardreath and Brentor, is currently recruiting runners for various events in 2010.

Anyone who would like to help raise money towards respite holidays for disadvantaged children, plus receive information about CHICKS' volunteering opportunities and events such as overseas treks, contact fundraiser Mick Ryan on 01822 811020 or email [email protected]">[email protected]