"Britain's most surreal 5km run" has taken place on a tiny sandbank in the middle of the English Channel.

The treacherous Goodwin Sands which sits in the sea 10 miles to north east of Dover is usually hidden below 18ft of water.

But at low tide, a 10-mile long stretch of sand, shingle and pebbles appear allowing not only for sunbathing seals but now eager athletes, too.

UK firm Rat Race Adventure Sports has held the first ever race on the Sands - with winner Brian Hancock setting a new "course record" of 34 minutes and 20 seconds.

Founder Jim Mee says it’s the only 5km in the world where the course is underwater most of the time.

Speaking after the inaugural competition this month, he said: “The Goodwin Sands represent a truly unique and surreal environment on which to run a 5km.

“It’s a bit different to the typical park run, that’s for sure.

“Holding a 5km run in the middle of the English Channel has simply never been done before.

“And while the distance is short, running on water-logged sand, shingle and pebbles is really draining on your legs.

"And you’ll absolutely need to run it.

"Participants aren’t allowed to walk the route - and that’s because it’s literally a race against the tide to get the runners past the finish line and in a boat before the Sands are swallowed by the waves once more!”

The hardy participants were dropped off and then picked up in an inflatable boat.

The Goodwin Sands boast a rich and varied history.

It’s seen as an important mating site for both grey and common seals and it has also been earmarked as a potential marine conservation zone.

It is most famous for laying waste to ships, and also became a grave for some 80 British and German downed aircrew during the Second World War.

The sands have entered the region’s folklore over many centuries, being named Lomea, or ‘Low Island’ by the Romans and is today often referred to as The Great Ship Swallower.

Coastguards warn the sands have a complex system of strong currents and complicated tidal flows that see them constantly change shape.

One of the most recent incidents came in 1991, when the pirate radio vessel the 'Ross Revenge’ ran aground on the Sands.

In recent years, the Sands have been at the centre of a dredging row.

The Port of Dover argues that it only wants to dig 0.22% of the sands for building work on the Western Docks.

But pressure group Goodwin Sands Save Our Sands (SOS) fears damage to the environment and disturbance to war graves.

Mr Mee adds: “Our Goodwin Sands 5km hopefully captures a certain eccentric British spirit.

“It’s about putting yourself into a bizarre and otherworldly position, just for the sheer thrill of it.

“You’re sure to finish the race with soggy feet, but also armed with that all-important tale of derring-do to tell down the pub.”

The Goodwin Sands run is just one new race in their 12-strong ‘Project: Explore’ series, which aims to offer unique and bespoke races for small groups across the UK.

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