Simon Roberts ran another fastest day in a time of 08:41:43. Almost 30 minutes slower was Russell Bentley in 09:11:20, with Matt O’Keefe running the third fastest day in a time of 09:29:18.

However, at times throughout the 70km course from Dolgellau to Ceredigion today, he looked hot and tired. He said: “I felt a lot more recovered this morning than I thought I would be but I still found today very hot. I was melting out there.

“I also ran out of food too soon before the Support Point and I found it hard to eat all day.

“The past two days of heat has taken it out of me. I felt like I have dead legs and I struggled.

“But tomorrow is another day and I will just keep on running.”

Watch the day three film here:

*Simon said he struggled today but he still ran a fastest time. © No Limits Photography*

Russell spent the day running at the front after setting off at 6.20am. He said: “I wanted to get out early to avoid the heat. I was too hot yesterday.

“I knew I would be running on my own in the hills and I focused on that. I was trying to do my own thing rather than worry about the competition.

“It was a beautiful day and a spectacular course. It was far more runnable and the conditions were thankfully more temperate.

“I have done what I can today so I am happy.”

Simon is pulling ahead each day and now sits almost 90 minutes ahead of Russell overall.

*Katie Mills is running an impressive race. © No Limits Photography*

*Elaine Bisson said today was a lovely run. © No Limits Photography*

Katie also makes time on Elaine

Today’s fastest female was again Katie Mills in 11:13:30. She finished 10th overall today. Elaine Bisson was second female once again, too, in 11:48:14. The third female home was Cat Slater in 12:44:16.

A strong and consistent performance by Katie has seen her pulling away from Elaine as the days go by. She now has a lead of more than 2.5 hours.

UK runner Katie said: “It was good today and it was more runnable. There was also a breeze. It was the first time I could look at the views because for the past two days I have been staring at my feet due to the tough terrain.

“I am usually terrible in the heat. So, I have just slowed down. I drink a lot more water than normal, force myself to eat and dowse myself in rivers a lot. I am enjoying the race.”

Elaine revealed that she found today “lovely”. She added: “It was better because it was cooler and I was able to go to the Co-op in Machynlleth. I got some ice cream and cola and it was heaven.”

Day 3: Top 3 males

Simon Roberts: 08:41:43

Russell Bentley: 09:11:20

Matt O'Keefe: 09:29:18

Day 3: Top 3 females

Katie Mills: 11:13:30

Elaine Bisson: 11:48:14

Cat Slater: 12:44:16

Overall: Top 3 males

Simon Roberts: 24:59:08

Russell Bentley: 26:24:50

Matt O'Keefe: 28:00:10

Overall: Top 3 females

Katie Mills: 32:30:56

Elaine Bisson: 35:04:44

Cat Slater: 36:32:57

Full results

Day 3: Simon Roberts continues to pull away at the front of the race