Chris Carver overcome a series of setbacks to finish 53rd out of 230 entrants after being selected to represent Great Britain in the 24-hour World Championships at Brive in France.

The Otley Athletic Club runner joined the highest-quality field ever assembled for a 24-hour race and set new personal bests for 100km (9hr 11min) and 100 miles (15:22).

But things started to go wrong approaching the 100-mile point, with cramp in both calves needing attention by the physio.

An hour or so later, Carver began to feel nauseous and needed a five-minute sit down. Then he got a stone in his shoe, while the freezing overnight temperatures required the addition of an extra layer of clothing.

With only ten minutes left to run, a further bout of cramp – in his foot this time – caused more discomfort but he battled on to reach 138.4 miles. Japanese runner Shingo Inoue reached 170 miles for a new Asian record.

Japan’s team also won the gold medal, with Italy taking silver and the bronze going to the United States.

Carver’s next event will see him represent England in an international event in Perth, Scotland, in September against the other home nations plus France and Italy.