For the past three years, Energia boss Tom Gillen has stood at trackside and marvelled at the efforts of the ultra runners going to hell and back to chalk up the miles that will take them past the magical '100' and into a very exclusive club at the 24-Hour race.

As title sponsor, it's been the Group Managing Director's money that has breathed life into what has become Ireland's greatest mental and physical challenge.

Away from this extreme endurance effort, round and round a 400-metre track, Gillen has been seen to slip on his trainers and head quietly out of his Newforge office and into the Clement Wilson parkland and thence into Belvoir Forest.

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Now, though, despite confining himself hitherto to 10Ks and a marathon, he's about to put his feet where his money is and become a contender.

After much arm-twisting and boardroom wrestling, he has persuaded three of his workforce to join him on the start-line. Sarah Gilmour, Des George and John King have all established 10k, half marathon and marathon history but 24 hours is a new concept.

Race Director Ed Smith said: "I must say I was surprised when the Energia team entry arrived in the post. Tom, like his three team-mates, will be required to run for 6 of the 24 hours. It's just brilliant that a sponsor should make this sort of commitment – I only hope he doesn't get such a sickener he'll never be back!"

Mr Gillen said: "Some of the other team members have done half-marathons and marathons, so there's a bit of experience there – although this is a completely different kettle of fish. There's time enough to get ready – but this is definitely a journey into the unknown."

(CD/JP)