A TEAM from Helm Hill Runners has set a new record for the Billy Bland Challenge.

The event is a relay based on the five legs of the Bob Graham Round, starting and finishing at the Moot Hall in Keswick.

It covers about 66 miles, 28,000 feet of climbing and 42 peaks.

The challenge is open to all teams of 10, split into five pairs.

The club's men's team – one of three that completed the Lake District challenge on Sunday – ran the route in 12 hours and 21 minutes, just three minutes quicker than the previous record held by Keswick AC.

The group comprised Paul Aitken, Pete Rigby, Mark Addison, Tom Addison, Ben Procter, Lee Procter, Adam Perry, Joshua Jardine, Rob Jebb and Jack Simpson.

A women's team and a mixed team also completed the challenge.

"The intention was never to go out and beat the record, it was a club event with us wanting to do something is a group," said Lee Procter.

"Just to get round it is a great achievement but obviously it's nice to get records. We set off just wanting to run as fast as possible and enjoy it."

While the men's team setting the record was an added bonus, Lee said the most impressive element of the day was the club being able to have three full teams complete the challenge.

"It just about sums up the club," he said. "There aren't many that could do this and it shows the strength in depth to get 30 runners round.

"Helm Hill is a grassroots club, it's never been about being among the elite.

"It's a family club and it's incredibly popular.

"We've got that many junior we have to have a waiting list. It's a fantastic club."