Can it ever be done? It can now.

When Man-up UK announced its Marathon des Cote event, challenging athletes to complete the Pembrokeshire Coast Path in just three days, Richard Simpson jumped at the chance to enter the record books.

And sure enough, after 64 hours and 32 minutes of grueling terrain, which included more than 370,000 steps and 30,000 feet of elevation - the Haverfordwest man can now lay claim to have finished the route in the fastest ever time.

Along with Helen Platel and Rob Brown, Simpson was one of three to bravely take to the start line at St Dogmaels late last month.

The trio were given a start time of 4am for each day and on the first, were given a cut off point of midnight to cover the 66 miles to Caerfai Bay, St Davids.

Brown, remarkably a type 1 diabetic who travelled down from Brighton to take part, sadly fell short as he pulled up after 50 miles at Abereiddy, but bravely vowed to continue.

He went on to advance another 50 miles on day two, before finally succumbing seven miles into day three.

Platel and Simpson however, both prevailed on day one, with the latter then completing the 62-mile mission from Caerfai to Pembroke the next day, again beating the midnight cut off point.

But sadly for Platel, who later this year will contest the Ironman World Championships in Kona, an ankle injury curtailed her around the 80-mile mark, leaving her unable to walk or carry on despite being ahead of schedule.

It meant Simpson, who has a history of competing in ultra-marathons and admitted he even dangerously trained through the ‘Beast from the East’ to prepare for the Marathon des Cote, was left on his own on day three to tackle the final 58 miles and reach Amroth.

“The third day was utterly hideous,” admitted the 45-year-old, who moved to Pembrokeshire in 2005 after being stationed in the county with the army.

“Beforehand I was fairly confident of completing 186 miles but apprehensive about the time frames. But in Angle I had to deal with horizontal rain and I struggled mentally.

“And then the steep steps at Lydstep nearly broke me. Because of the cut off points I’d been running on the flat and downhill and walking purposely when going uphill, but I felt like I was clambering there.”

And yet the outdoor pursuits instructor maintained his momentum, and when Monkstone Point came into view before Tenby and Saundersfoot, emotion took over as it dawned on him he was about to achieve an amazing feat.

“I was so happy when I saw that as I knew then I was going to make it.

“It was some feeling. And I also need to mention the stunning scenery. We in Pembrokeshire are so spoilt with that and it made the run a spectacular journey for us - and certainly kept me wanting to carry on to see what was around the next corner."

The event was organised by Fintan Godkin, of Man-up UK, and Simpson was relieved to be able to re-pay him for the opportunity.

“I was so elated when it was all over and I was also really pleased for Fintan. I was desperate not to let him down.

And Godkin, who said despite extensive research has found no record of anyone completing the path within three days, was full of praise for the three athletes who took to the start line.

“This is by far and away the hardest and most brutal event we’ve put on at Man-up UK,” he admitted.

“We asked the question of whether it could be done in three days and it was an incredible effort from Richard.

“But Helen too was on track before her injury. And to think Rob was disappointed after only making 107 miles – a distance most people couldn’t even think about covering in that space of time.”

He added proposals were in place for a 2019 event, although it seems unlikely Simpson will be joining in again.

And perhaps understandably given the after effects of his heroic achievement.

“My step count was 130,000 on day one, 125,000 on day two, and 115,000 on day three.

“To put that in context the next day at home it was under 1000! I stayed in bed and only ventured down the stairs to get food or drink.

“I was still barely able to jog two weeks later.”

Nor is the former triathlete earmarking any return to endurance events yet.

“I feel satisfied for now and definitely won’t be rushing into anything.

“I’m likely to be at the Marathon des Cote if it takes place in 2019 but it will be to cheer on the runners and good luck to them.”

And fair to say, he's earnt the rest!

  • Telegraph Sport would like to congratulate Richard on his phenomenal effort and achievement.

Fintan also expressed thanks to all those who made the event possible, mainly Ryan Naish of Primal Pathway, Marie Springer of SW Sports Massage, Celtic Camping, St Davids Bunk Barns, Jeff Tierney, and all volunteers who helped with marshalling and food stations