Running log

The Bob Graham Round is the ultimate test for fell runners.

The target is to run the 66 miles of Lakeland terrain and 28,000 feet of climbs in under 24 hours.

The team version offers a five-leg challenge, which was taken up by 20 Ilkley Harriers.

The Billy Bland 24-Hour Relay Challenge starts and finishes at the Keswick Moot Hall on a date of your own choice.

The Ilkley team set off at 1am on Saturday, with the leg five runners returning at six minutes past midnight to be met by heckling from the late-night revellers on the high street.

Competitor Val Kerr said: “It was a fantastic achievement by all involved, given the heavy rain, high winds, mist and cold – not to forget several unforeseen problems along the way, including cramp and a disappearing map.”

The organisation required road back-up from Kerr and Alison Weston, with transport, tea, cakes and shelter for the other members of the team.

Leg one took in Skiddaw, Great Calva and Blencathra before the change-over at Threlkeld. Dan Hill, Nicki Jacquiry, Kevin and Rachael Gooch finished together in 4hr 47min.

Leg two was run at dawn by Alison Weston, Kate Archer and Outi Kamarinen in 4:03 and went via Helvellyn, Fairfield and Seat Sandal to Dunmail.

The morning leg was the longest, taking in Steel Fell, High Raise, Harrison Stickle, Bowfell, Great End, Scafell Pike and Scafell to Wasdale. Neil Smith, Will Buckton, Alistair Barlow, Brian Melia and a club guest took 6:32.

The evening fivesome of Clare Smith, Sue Booth, Rebecca Mon-Williams, Nick Pearce and Dave Wilby, accompanied by three dogs, navigated Yewbarrow, Steeple, Pillar, Great Gable, Green Gable and Grey Knott to the final change-over at Honister (5:02).

The foursome who had the pressure of getting home within the time limit were Sharon Meadows, John Coates, Neil Chapman and Kerr as they safely negotiated Dale Head, Hindscarth and Robinson in 2:42.

Otley AC achieved the same feat in 21:53 earlier this month. The record for a team is Macclesfield (14:24) but Billy Bland has the single-handed record for the whole round in 13:53, dating from 1982.