A SUPER-FIT Edinburgh GP who is also the government's fitness czar has conquered 10 of the country's highest peaks in 24 hours.

Andrew Murray, 34, teamed up with fellow distance runner Donnie Campbell to complete the challenge in balmy conditions at the weekend.

Murray, who completed a 2,659-mile run from John O'Groats to the Moroccan Sahara desert in 2011, and Mr Campbell completed it in 13 hours and 10 minutes. In total, they spent 9 hours 10 minutes running, with the remainder driving between the mountain ranges.

The pair's first challenge after a 4am start was Ben Lawers, the 10th highest Munro, followed by Aonach Mor, Aonach Beag, Carn Mor Dearg and the UK's tallest mountain, Ben Nevis.

They then drove to the Cairngorms, where they traversed Cairngorm, Ben McDhui, Braeriach, Angel's Peak before finishing on Cairntoul at 5.30pm. Dr Murray, who races for Merrell UK, said: "The mountains in Scotland are magical. The Big 10 had it all in terms of spectacular ridgelines, some wildlife and highly variable weather. We had fog, wind, rain, and even a glimpse of sunshine.

"We were both glad that the promised thunderstorms did not materialise. For me definitely the toughest part of the day was dealing with the wind, rain and low visibility in the Cairngorms when we were already tired.

"There were a few boulder fields to cut across, which were pretty slippy, resulting in a few comedy falls. Part of what we were looking to do is draw attention to the benefits of getting regular exercise in the great outdoors.

"It really gets the happy hormones going and helps prevent and treat over 40 major health problems. Even walking 30 minutes 5 days a week increases your life expectancy by over 7 years."

Campbell, 29, is a running coach and a former Marine Commando based in Edinburgh who previously ran from Glasgow to his former home of Skye without stopping

The event is to be shown on BBC Scotland's "The Adventure Show".