Energetic MP Tom Brake is hoping to be a serious front-runner when he competes in a 30km charity duathlon race this autumn.

The Liberal Democrat member for Carshalton and Wallington is swapping the mud-slinging of politics for muddy trails and ravines.

He will be among a field of about 2,000 lining up at Aldershot army testing base on October 17 for an event known, forbiddingly, as the Grim Challenge.

The course comprises a 5km run over sand dunes, followed by a 20km cycle ride over uneven terrain, then another 5km run through knee-deep torrents.

Mr Brake, who is raising funds for St Raphael’s Hospice in North Cheam, said: “The duathlon is going to be extremely challenging.

"Over the next few weeks, I’ll be training with local football teams, tennis players and running clubs to get myself in tip-top shape.”

“I hope that the event will encourage people to sponsor me when they can see that this duathlon is no walk in the park.

"I want to show how important our local care services are for people in the area, and to offer my own contribution.”

A Grim Challenge event spokesman said: “The land is used to test Army vehicles, so expect it to be interesting.

"Competitors will reach a long hill shortly after the start before descending again, eventually reaching a water-filled ravine.

“They will run on over puddle-strewn paths before having to crawl under camouflage netting. Eventually they reach some man-made mounds before arriving at, and running through, some rather large puddles.”

To sponsor Mr Brake on in his Grim Challenge duathlon, visit his online donation site at justgiving.com/tombrake.

For more details go grimchallenge.co.uk or straphaelshospice.org.uk.

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