AN ULTRA runner from Penarth is bidding to run 135 miles through gruelling temperatures in aid of the NSPCC this weekend.

Rhys Jenkins, 29, who has previously run around the coast of Wales and 100 miles in 24 hours, will tackle the challenging run through Death Valley National Park in California.

Average temperatures reach 47 degrees and the desert valley once reached a record air temperature of 56.7 degrees.

Mr Jenkins, along with his friend John Ortiz, is returning to Death Valley for a second attempt after they were forced to withdraw when they tackled the run at the end of June earlier this year.

“It went wrong on that occasion and I suffered from heat exhaustion,” said Mr Jenkins.

“I was annoyed that I didn’t get it done and felt like I’d let everyone down, so it’s good to try again for a very worthy cause.”

He has also previously run through Death Valley with his brother Scott in 2015, running the route twice, covering 270 miles, the equivalent of 10 marathons in just over four days, and becoming the first Welsh person to complete the Death Valley.

The route this time will start 282 ft below sea level in Badwater Basin before finally ending on Mount Whitney.

“This is one of the toughest events on the planet, which makes it all the more reason to dig deep and donate whatever you can to help the NSPCC,” he said

“The NSPCC is a charity that believe every childhood is worth fighting for and is one in which we are incredibly proud to represent. I’m excited but a little bit nervous.”

Mr Jenkins and Mr Ortiz can be sponsored at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/supportrhysjenkins.