The heroic efforts of the superhuman competitors in a gruelling coastal quadrathlon are expected to have raised almost �40,000 for good causes.

More than 130 amateur racers lined up for the 2011 Norfolk Superhero Challenge, which took place in Burnham Overy Staithe on June 18.

Despite torrential rain showers, the competitors triumphed over a demanding course including a one-mile open water swim, a four-mile kayak, a 38-mile cycle race and a seven-mile run concluding with a mud-spattered slog across the marshes.

The event has so far raised �15,000 for the Mermaid Appeal at Wells Community Hospital, and organisers Jess Lapping, Sophie Ellis, Justine Ward, Philippa Williams and Cath Edgington hope this will rise to �20,000 by the time the final collections are confirmed.

Participants have also independently raised a further �20,000 for their own chosen charities, making a total of nearly �40,000.

Co-organiser Cath Edgington, from the Big Blue Sky art gallery in Wells, said 'It was an extremely successful event and we are absolutely delighted to have raised so much for so many great causes, especially the local ones.

'An event like this takes an awful lot of hard work, time and patience from everyone involved, so we would like to thank them all with a special mention to the village of Burnham Overy Staithe.

'And yes, we are planning next year's Olympic Superhero Challenge already which will be raising funds for Big C, Norfolk and Waveney's own cancer charity.'