Sub-zero temperatures and a famously remote location didn't stop a group of international runners from heading to Mongolia in January for the first-ever Genghis Khan Ice Marathon.

THEY ran more than 26 miles along a frozen river as wolves howled in nearby forests and vultures circled overhead.

And the temperature in Mongolia was perhaps as you would expect.

"Okay, so we've actually made it to the start line for the Genghis Khan Ice Marathon. It's minus-32, minus-34 or 35 (degrees Celsius), or thereabouts. Perfect conditions for winter running, can't beat it. I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be a tough day for everyone, but I'm pretty confident everyone will get to the finish with all their fingers in tact."

But now two runners from Edinburgh have won first place - in the men's and women's section - in the first Genghis Khan Ice Marathon in freezing brutal conditions in Outer Mongolia.

Dr Andrew Murray, 35, a sports and exercise doctor at Edinburgh University, completed the marathon in three hours and seven minutes .

The doctor has completed an ultra-marathon on each continent in seven days; ran from Scotland to the Sahara desert; and climbed the UK's 10 highest mountains in 24 hours.

Lucja Leonard, also of Edinburgh, won the women's section in four hours and 19 minutes.

Dr Murray previously won the North Pole Marathon, and the Antarctic Ice Marathon.

And for the doctor he was just delighted to be out amongst the wildlife.

"Everyone looks strong and everyone's high-fiving on the way past. Just a fantastic day. Honestly, what a place. Absolutely beautiful. The one thing that's difficult is route finding, because it's really clearly marked, but because you're just looking all around at the mountains, the ice, the huskies...looking out for wolves, yaks...and all the Mongolians are extremely friendly. They don't know what is going on, but they all give you a wee (small) wave, or a thumbs-up, or some sort of signal that they're behind you. So it's great, you know."

-34 degree marathon clearly not enough of a challenge for this all encompassing doctor.