Businesses leaders took time out to complete a cycle marathon across the Pennines.

Steve Wright, managing director of the Thomas Wright/Thorite Group in Laisterdyke, and John Walsh, managing director of Abraham Moon & Sons in Guiseley, completed the three-day, 158-mile coast-to-coast challenge from Whitehaven to Tynemouth.

They undertook the marathon with fellow CEOs and MDs from TEC International, a forum which aims to accelerate the business, professional and personal development of its members.

The normally sober-suited group aims to raise £5,000 for Sport Relief, the charity which unites the world of sport to enhance the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK and across the globe. Steve Wright said: "This has been a tremendous achievement for all involved. I'll never forget the unique experience of reaching over 2,000 feet after a morning's hard cycling and then descending five miles in just seven minutes."

John Walsh added: "The fundraiser was a great personal challenge undertaken amid stunning scenery with a tremendous camaraderie among the group. I feel flat being back in the office after such a unique experience."

TEC chairman Richard Bosworth said the challenge proved to be a "win-win" situation in more ways than one. He said: "TEC enables its members to achieve a balance between their highly pressurised work situations and their privates lives. It's been tremendous to see how participants have thrown themselves into the spirit of this adventure, which has boosted a worthwhile cause, sparked great teamwork - and also helped us to shed a few unwanted kilos."

Sarah Burke, a spokesman for Sport Relief, added: "We're delighted with this tremendous effort from TEC International members.

"Every pound donated from the bike ride will benefit children and young people leading tough lives everywhere. Together with the many sports men and women who are supporting the campaign, we hope that fundraising activities like TEC's Yorkshire group will help inspire the whole of the UK to get active during this year's great summer of sport."

In keeping with a well-established tradition, the business leaders dipped the wheels of their cycles in the sea at Tynemouth on completion of the challenge.