Working at a desk all day is not the best preparation for a rigorous obstacle course.

Yet two enthusiastic reporters at the Time and Independent Series have been put through their paces ahead of the first Bear Grylls survival race this weekend and Trent Park, in Southgate.

Fitness guru Freya Martin, and part of the Grylls team, put Enfield Independent reporter Charlie Peat and Barnet Times reporter James Caven to the test, four days before the event kicks off.

Starting with a demanding warm up, the reporters carried heavy log through the dense woodland.

The pair started to feel the burn as they jumped over hay bales and collected tyres to sprint across the sprawling fields.

It’s safe to say the pair were exhausted but the fitness fanatic did not ease up on the duo.

“I think I underestimated this first session but has opened my eyes the challenges we both face later this week” said Mr Caven, who is preparing for a half marathon.

The 5km and 10km obstacle races will be accompanied by a Bear Grylls Adventure Festival at the park, with live music, activities and more than 100 challenges from the adventure world.

There will be race viewing areas in various places, where spectators can cheer on the participants and get a taste of the adventure on the track.

The race weekend culminates on Sunday, October 4 in the signature event the 'Ultimate Survivor Race’ – a 30km course which includes even more extreme Bear Grylls’ survival challenges.

Mr Grylls said: “It is our aim on the Bear Grylls survival races to inspire a positive 'never say die' attitude to the next generation of adventurers. It might start with a 5km survival race but it well may end with you becoming the 'Ultimate Survivor'.”

Sign up today to participate in 5km, 10km or Ultimate Survivor Race at www.beargryllssurvivalrace.com/races/