STEVE Walsh has abandoned the front desk of the Wilmslow Express to organise a jungle marathon through the heart of the Brazilian rainforest.

Steve, 36, will swap peaceful Cheshire for a more dangerous location - guiding runners through the snake and piranha infested Amazon forest.

As race director he plans to lead 100 competitors on this unique racing adventure in one of the most isolated and remote regions of the world.

"I wanted to develop a challenge and unique adventure through an extreme environment, that would test people's physical and mental abilities, I think I have achieved this," said father-of-one Steve, who spent 18 months on the reception desk at the Wilmslow Express.

The jungle route stretches more 160 miles through the rainforest, with runners covering nearly a marathon a day for a whole week, while carrying their own kit.

Steve, of Queens Avenue, Macclesfield, who is studying at Staffordshire University, said: "We provide all the organisation, medical supplies and the nighttime accommodation, the rest is down to the individual. There are dangers, including snakes and piranhas. Runners will have to go through rivers and streams and also along hunter's paths which cut through the dense jungle.

"Anyone that can or has ever run a marathon would be able to compete in this event given the right amount of training, which would have to start about five months before the race.

"It is a real commitment, but when they are in the heart of the Brazilian jungle they will know it was worth it."

The race takes place in September 2003 and includes ten nights in the jungle and two nights in swinging Rio.

Steve said: "It will be a chance to unwind, although people may be a bit tired." Despite the arduous nature of the challenge runners from all over the world have already signed up.

"I have had people from America and New Zealand signing on, it shows how unique this challenge is. A lot of people are running this for charity," said Steve, who recently ran a marathon through the Sahara desert.

"That was a great experience but I believe this race offers a very different challenge.

"I have spent time in the Amazon while I organised the trip and it was an amazing time, it is a fascinating environment."

Anyone interested in this challenge of a lifetime should log onto www.junglemarathon.com or call Steve on 01625 505915.