A NEWPORT-BASED property auctioneer has finished fourth in one of the world’s toughest endurance races.

Paul Fosh, 48, owner of Paul Fosh Auctions at Church Road, completed the Likeys 6633 Arctic Ultra Marathon on Saturday, having trekked 350 miles in temperatures of -30C between March 20 and March 28.

From a pool of 29 entrants, Mr Fosh was one of only eight people to complete the race in the Canadian Arctic and is one of only 19 to have completed the gruelling challenge in seven years.

Mr Fosh, from Monmouth, hopes to race £15,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support as a result of his efforts. He spent a year training for the event, including acclimatising in a industrial freezer at the back of a Cornish pasty shop at Monmouth high street.

Mr Fosh, who completed his first ultra race over 46 miles in the Brecon Beacons in 2012, is currently recuperating in Whitehorse in Canada ahead of his return to Gwent later this week.

Sean Roper, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “Paul's determination, willpower and motivation is quite remarkable.

“Coming fourth is an absolutely fantastic achievement and we are all so very proud of Paul and what he has done.

"The 6633 Likeys Ultra is regarded as one of the most dangerous races of its kind in the world, with only a handful of people ever completing it.

"Paul is now part of that elite band of people. We can't wait to have him back to tell us all about it and how he managed such a tremendous feat."

The 6633 Ultra is a non-stop, self-sufficient foot race that crosses the line of the Arctic Circle and continues to the banks of the Arctic Ocean at Tuktoyaktuk.

Competitors pull on sleds with all their provisions including food, cooking items, clothing, sleeping kit and other safety gear for the gruelling race.

A spokesman for the event organisers, Likeys, said: "This race has been dubbed by many as the toughest race on the planet.

"It’s a reputation that is being maintained and justified.

"Paul has been meticulous with his preparation and execution of his race so seeing him cross the line is nothing less than he deserved.”

Mr Fosh is being sponsored by HSJ Accountants, Quality Solicitors Rubin Lewis O’Brien, Paul Fosh Auctions, Rightmove/Agent’s Giving, and Auction Finance.

To help him reach his target, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/pauilfosh.