Sedbergh fell runner plans to break Lake District 24-hour record

Steeped in history and its record books littered with legendary names from the sport of fell running, it is the ultimate running test over the country’s highest peaks.

The brutal challenge involves 'bagging' as many Lake District summits as possible within the 24-hour time limit and is mentally as well as physically demanding.

In 1975, legendary fell running shepherd Joss Naylor, of Wasdale, managed 72 tops (100 miles / 37,00 feet). This was bettered 22 years later by ultra runner Mark Hartell who topped an incredible 77 peaks and covered 109 miles and 39,000 foot of climbing.

Adam, who lives in Sedbergh and works for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, will be attempting to beat this record and bag 78 peaks when he sets out on the challenge, supported by inov8 and local athletes, on Saturday June 13.

He will start from Braithwaite, near Keswick, and if it becomes clear that 78 summits is not achievable he will go for 77 and attempt to complete it quicker than Mark.

Adam attempted the feat last year and managed 77 peaks but was outside the completion time.

"The traditional route roughly follows the Bob Graham Round – with the addition of all the extra miles and summits. It’s been described as a ‘Bob Graham Round On Drugs,’ said Adam, who first started running as a supplement to playing football. "Once the final whistle had blown on my Sunday match, I would join my dad for a run in the Peak District hills.

"Over the years, running in the mountains has taken me to some amazing places and provided me with memories that will last a lifetime. I have explored hidden valleys, wild moors and exposed ridges, all of which I would likely never have done had it not been for running. I find it hard to explain to work colleagues that feeling we, as runners, as adventurers, get when returning off the hill under the mid-winter moonlight. There is nothing better. It’s at those moments that I’m at my happiest."