TWO fundraisers are to take on a ‘hare and the tortoise’ Three Peaks challenge later this month to raise money for a York charity.

Jonathan Kattenberg, 44, is planning to run the 24 mile route twice while his 65-year-old friend Peter Dennis attempts to walk it once in under 10 hours, and the pair have named their race after the fabled encounter of the same name.

The pair will launch their stamina test, involving scaling Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent, on January 25, when the fells may be deep in snow.

Jonathan, a 'mind-set coach' for young people, will follow this up in April by attempting another gruelling challenge in somewhat warmer weather - the Marathon Des Sables, involving six marathons across the Sahara Desert.

He said the Three Peaks race would be a test of stamina and mindset, having never run 48 miles in one race – 'never mind trying to beat Peter.'

He said: “As we all know, the good old British weather can be quite unpredictable, especially over the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

"It could be a great winter sun-shining day, throwing it down with rain with gusting wind and even freezing temperatures with lots of snow on the tops.”

Both challenges will raise money for York charity SNAPPY, which provides social and recreational opportunities for children and young people with special needs.

Jonathan, from Wakefield, is aiming to raise £40,000 for the charity through his physical challenges, the sale of the book Dream to Reality, written by him and Dawn Grossart, and through sales of specially commissioned ‘Proud to Lead by Example’ t-shirts.

“Dream to Reality was the starting point for the challenges”, he said.

“The book shows that when you truly believe in the achievement of your goals, the sky really is your limit.

"It also shows how to create a plan to achieve your goals, along with strong inner confidence and personal happiness. We feel strongly that all young people are equipped with this knowledge to create their best life possible.”

He urged others to join the Three Peaks challenge by running or walking part of the way . "It’s a family day out raising money for a really worthwhile cause," he said. "Plus, I think after 48 miles I’m going to need some cheering on!”

*To support the hare and the tortoise race, go to https://www.justgiving.com/Realityproductionsltd.