Four men ran from Cirkewwa to Marsaxlokk today collecting €46,000 for charity.

Steve Apap Bologna, Patrick Tabone, Peter Wirth and Tony Vella set off from Ċirkewwa at 6am and ran along the coast, arriving in Marsaxlokk at 12.44pm.

Apart from the challenge imposed by the actual distance, which involved a number of gruelling hills along the way, the head-wind was another of the obstacles they had to face. They are also all battling various injuries incurred during their training programme.

The challenge, named Nivea Run 51, was held in aid of the Ladybird Foundation, of which Mr Apap Bologna, who celebrated his birthday today, is chairman. The foundation was set up to "bring joy to terminally, critically or seriously ill children".

A number of children joined the race for one kilometre from it-Torri to Ghar id-Dud.

Donations of €11.65 can be made on 5061 9222, by cheque payable to The Ladybird Foundation, sent to 30 Middle Street, Siġġiewi, SGW 1203, or through Paypal at http://theladybirdfoundation.org

The Nivea Run 51, is being sponsored by Nivea, the Alfred Mizzi Foundation, Mediterranean Bank, PWC, Defined Branding and Sciencesoft.