GUTSY Antonia Gambling is planning to be the first woman to conquer a tough endurance race designed to push paratroopers to the limit.

Antonia, 26, wants to complete the Colchester Para 10 in less than 1h 50m – while carrying a 36lbs pack and water.

The charity race is a replica of the 10-mile race soldiers have complete in less than 1h 50m to “get their wings” and become paratroopers.

The best time a woman has recorded so far is 1h 52m.

Mum-of-two Antonia, of Homefield Road, Colchester, said: “It is one of the hardest and most intense things I have come across.

“I play football and have always been into fitness, but training for this has just been unreal.”

SEE TODAY'S GAZETTE FOR THE FULL STORY