A team from Long Ditton are running seven marathons in seven days across seven countries for charity.

Ollie Bath of Long Ditton, Surrey, has taken part in a host of ultra-marathons and Iron Man extreme endurance events before.

He founded Run777 with the hope of offering endurance athletes the chance to combine the sport with travelling and a more comradely approach to ultra-running.

The project's latest venture is currently pitting Mr Bath and his running team against seven consecutive marathons across seven Alpine countries.

It has seen the group navigate altitude, snow, coasts and forests across some of Europe's most stunning landscapes (pictured).

In a live update from Day 5 sent to the Surrey Comet Thursday (May 16), Mr Bath said: "Live from tour - we’re 34km into marathon number 5 of 7 (Austria) and just crossed the River Rhine into, ironically, the town of Hard. With just over 200km down, the bodies are taking their toll but the spirits are high.

"We’ve been blessed with great weather and even better support - thanks to everyone who’s been cheering us along and supporting the cause by donating their hard earned money to our chosen charity.

"We hope you can join us on Saturday for the final stretch," he added, referencing the end point of the run which will take place alongside several running clubs in Thames Ditton this Saturday (see below).

The Run777 team are raising funds for school children in South Africa — where Mr Bath and his wife Kate lived before moving to Surrey — through the Bokamoso Education Trust.

Mrs Bath told the Surrey Comet how the charity was close to the couple's hearts, and offered some further details about the extraordinary running project.

"The aim with Run777 was combining sports and camaraderie with something bigger than ourselves which is where the charity elements come into play.

"The Bokomoso Education Trust helps underprivileged kids in South Africa get an education. Between the last two year's we've managed to put two children through school from 4-18 years old thanks to Run777," she said.

Mrs Bath described how the idea behind the project, which her husband founded last year, was to provide a different ultra-endurance event than those already out there — something based on teamwork, comradeship and travel more than competition.

She said: "A group of people at different stages of their lives can come together and enjoy the experiences of seeing amazing places and working together as a team. It's a race of camaraderie and great scenery too.

"The idea is to make it less about competitive racing and more that everyone helps each other get over the finish line..."

It's something that has already inspired running groups in Surrey and the couple's home of Long Ditton.

In a statement compiled by several groups in the area, avid runners in the area said they would be joining Mr Bath and the team for the final stage of this year's Run777 event, which will finish in Long Ditton this Saturday (May 16).

"Run777 is completing their 2nd year of running 7 marathons in 7 countries in 7 days this Saturday and would love you to join them on their final stretch through Surrey.

"The gang have spent the last days running through Switzerland, France, Italy, Lichtenstein, Austria, Germany and finally the UK... this is no mean feat and they are going to need a crowd to get them through the final bits. We hope to see you there!"

If you are interested in taking part in the final stage of Run777's incredible marathon of marathons see the project's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/run777/

Information on how to donate to the Bokomoso Education Trust can be found at: https://www.givengain.com/c/bokamosoeducationtrust/