A GROUP of cyclists and runners are planning a gruelling series of marathon runs and rides this Friday (May 27) to raise money for Macmillan Cancer.

"The 24-7 Forest Challenge came to life in December 2010 with a few middle-aged guys, drinking beer and having a 'crisis' as they say!" said spokesman James Pothecary. 

"We decided that it would be fun, taxing and not to mention absolute hell to run an ultra marathon and an ultra off road bike ride simultaneously.

"The 24-7 title came from the challenge –  to run two marathons, back to back, or cycle four marathons back to back by a team of seven people, all performed off road through and around the Forest Of Dean and Wye Valley. So no easy roads!"

The event will take place on  27th May 2011 starting at 6am at The Saracen's Head, Symonds Yat.

It is expected that the runners and cyclists will be running or cycling for over 13 hours continuously to complete the challenge.

Team members are Steve Jones, Paul Simmons, Jim Coles and Neil Crofts (runners) and Simon Leney, Adrian Barber and James Pothecary (cyclists).