A fundraising challenge walk has raised more than £3,000 for the Clapham-based Cave Rescue Organisation.

The event was even more important than ever this year as the rescue group has lost its main source of funding with the cancellation of the 2012 Broughton Game Show. Instead of using its usual Three Peaks route, the challenge followed a new course across the varied terrain of Ingleborough.

To attract both dedicated runners and intrepid novices, there was a choice of two options – the 26-mile Ingleborough Marathon taking people on paths that are seldom used and to the summit of Ingleborough, or a 13-mile walk using part of the marathon route, but not to Ingleborough summit. The challenge still took participants on paths that are seldom used, with spectacular scenic limestone views.

The event was a huge success not only for the CRO and its fundraising team but for the people taking part.

One marathon competitor said: “It was a challenge and took me to areas around Inglebor-ough that I hadn’t previously explored. It was always reassuring to come across a CRO member after a couple of miles relying on the map.

“The route was great – very varied. The section between Horton and Wharfe/Austwick was superb – what a great little valley. Overall, I achieved a personal worst for a marathon by over two hours, but then the previous marathons that I’ve done didn’t include mountains or bogs.”

There was also praise from participant Max Spicer, who said: “It was a really good day and we all enjoyed it. The organisation seemed spot on.”

The challenge will be run again next year “We would like to thank everyone for taking the time to enter this year’s challenge,” said a CRO spokesman. “We hope they enjoyed the day, which took some arranging. It was great to meet you all and we will be running the event again next year, on Saturday, May 11.”