A COUNTY DURHAM runner is celebrating after winning one of the toughest mountain races in the world.

Jim Mann, 38, triumphed in the 2015 Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race which follows the mountainous spine of Wales from Conwy Castle to Carreg Cennen Castle over five days.

The gruelling journey is approximately 300 kilometres long with 16,000 metres of ascent across wild, trackless, remote and mountainous terrain.

Mr Mann, of Barnard Castle, was one of 140 competitors to start the race which began on Monday, June 22 and ran until Friday, June 26.

And he led it from start to finish which included tackling some of the most gruelling stages such as having to run almost twice the height of Everest.

Mr Mann’s lead eventually grew to more than 90 minutes during the race, which is the third of its kind.

His overall time was 102 hours and 17 minutes.

The Durham Fell Runners member was one of only 64 competitors to complete every stage of the challenge which organisers say supports the race’s global reputation as being one of the most challenging events of its type.

The first Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race was held in September 1992 and reached a legendary status with fell, mountain and ultra runners around the world, especially when it was held again in 2012.

The first lady to complete the race was Jasmin Paris, 31, who also came second place overall.

Ms Paris, from Edinburgh, was one of three women featured in the top six places.

She ran together with Mr Mann on the final two days.

Mr Mann, who finished sixth in 2012, joked after winning first place saying he “would take it”.

He also said he had learnt a lot of lessons from the 2012 race which he said he ran when he was not at full fitness.

“I learned a lot from 2012 and have enjoyed running in the Welsh hills this year in preparation for the race,” he said.

“Like 2012, the atmosphere at the event has been amazing and Jasmin has been a legendary runner to race with in the last two days.”

For more information about the race visit dragonsbackrace.com or search for Dragons Back Race on Facebook.