A year-long challenge which began as an 'experiment' by two local friends and a dog to see if it was at all possible to run 10k, every single day, for 365 days, has ended by raising over £20,000 for charity.

With thousands following them on Facebook by New Year's Eve, the pair of local runners (and not forgetting Alfredo, Jim's border collie), have inspired at least fifty people to take part in a new challenge for 2014. Many readers will recall the trio's adventures as The Journal followed them throughout last year.

The money raised during 2013 will be split between four different charities, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Positive Action on Cancer and the Happy Landings Animal Shelter. Many local running clubs took the pair under their wing and welcomed them along to make sure their 10ks were varied, the majority taking place off-road.

They needn't have worried, as Jim Plunkett-Cole and Neil Taylor's 10ks were anything but boring. The challenge saw runs around the Houses of Parliament, a huge 'Gromit' run around Bristol, a coalmining tribute run and the odd marathon along the way.

The trio were also helped by friend and fellow runner, Fran Hunter, who helped to raise a whopping £9,600 by organising a huge raffle, which was drawn on New Year's Day, with other friends selling tickets in local pubs and to other running clubs. Many local businesses gave generously to ensure its success.

"Last year was an incredible journey for me, I learnt a lot about myself. It was one heck of a year and I have been quite astounded by the public's reaction to it," said Jim Plunkett-Cole, speaking to The Journal this week. "To run without illness or injury, whilst we both ran businesses full time and have responsibilities was enough in itself, but the challenge took on a life of its own. I am very proud that we have challenged the conventional wisdom of exercise – before we attempted this feat, we were told that it was not possible without rest and recovery, but we found that our speed, endurance, recovery times and immunity improved no end.

"Throughout the year, I have been asked if there was ever a time when I just didn't fancy going out for a run. The answer is no – once you get through the first month, you don't even question it and it becomes hugely motivational not to miss a day."

The challenge culminated on New Year's Eve with a massive Green Man Ultra Marathon, over forty miles around the Bristol area, which saw 49 people turn up to run all or part of the way with Jim and Neil.

Conditions were awful, in pouring rain, cold, wet mud and waterlogged surfaces. Twenty-two people finished on the day, eighteen of which had never attempted that distance before. 5,000 online followers viewed the first set of photos on the last day, something which gave the team a huge boost.

"It was an amazing atmosphere," says Jim "and the perfect way to end a rollercoaster of a year. When we got to the end, a huge crowd of people were cheering from the pub which marked the end – I was so tired, I didn't even realise they were cheering for us!

"I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported us during our challenge, for your support and encouragement, particularly the local running clubs, Somer AC, who made us their 'charity of the year', Town and Country Harriers, Frome Running Club, Weston AC, Westbury Harriers and many more. Most importantly, I would like to thank Neil, for taking on the challenge with me. I couldn't have completed it with a better running buddy and along with Alfredo, what a great team we made!"

The adventure has not stopped after the last day of 2013. On the back of the trio's success, a Facebook page, called 2014kx365, is being set up for those taking on their own challenge for this year – it doesn't even have to be 10k – the minimum is anything from a 1k–10k walk or run every single day for a year. It just has to be a challenge to you.

"This is a free, unique way for local people to take part in exercise, from an idea that initially evolved from my runs along the Frome–Radstock cyclepath", says Jim. "The great thing about it is, each person will have a different experience and, using trackers, such as NikePlus or Run Keeper, local people can blog about their journeys, just like we did. It feels like what we did was just a warm-up, to something that could be far bigger and really enhance the health and well-being of the local community."

Since 1st January, fifty people have signed up for their 365-day challenge. To find out more, visit the 2014kx365 community page via Facebook, which offers support for those who have set their own goals, big or small. If you would like to get involved, all you have to do is send the page a message with your name and email address. You can join at the beginning of every month, it didn't necessarily have to be from January 1st. You must have access to a reliable tracking device via smartphone or watch to record your distances and appropriate clothing and footwear.

And the future for these runners? Well, Neil will continue to run for fun, but is having a well-earned rest. Jim was back out on January 1st completing a very painful 10k after his forty+ mile extravaganza the day before. He quite seriously may complete 10k every day for the rest of his life. Inspirational.