AN inspirational fell runner from Windermere has completed a gruelling 365 day challenge for a charity that offers end of life care.

Ian Penney, 31, from Windermere set himself the task of running at least 3.65 miles every day last year to raise money for St John’s Hospice.

365 days later, he has achieved his arduous Project3.65 feat which has resulted in him running more than 1,500 miles in total and climbing more than 200,000 vertical feet.

“I came up with the Project3.65 challenge to make a positive contribution to a worthy cause, with the simple idea to run a minimum of 3.65 miles every day for 365 consecutive days,” said Ian. “The St John’s Hospice team does fantastic work and the respite care they give is invaluable.

“The hardest part of the challenge was running when feeling ill or injured. I had a slight tear of an ankle ligament in May which took until August to properly heal, and was also ill for a couple of weeks in March, but I just had to find a way to get the runs done regardless.

And to celebrate his achievement and help raise more funds, Ian has been working with English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues to draw up maps of three of his favourite running routes for guests at Waterhead Boutique Hotel & Dining in Ambleside.

Ian has devised three routes from the hotel for both runners and walkers, with easy to follow, visual maps for guests and visitors.

The routes are of varying lengths and include the well-known ‘Coffin Trail’ between Grasmere and Ambleside, a five mile loop to the top of Wansfell and the popular 16-mile Fairfield Horseshoe for those who want to tackle a longer distance.

Ian’s 365th and final run of the challenge included a select band of 11 other runners who joined him to mark the occasion, setting out from Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa for a run to the summit of Wansfell.

“Perhaps my favourite route and view is descending from Fairfield down to Grisedale Tarn at sunset," Ian said. "So it’s great to be working with the hotels at Waterhead and Low Wood Bay to share my favourite routes and hopefully inspire visitors to see some of the best scenery the Lake District has to offer."

Ian's has raised more than £3,000 for the hospice and is looking to push his target over £4,000. You can donate via his JustGiving page https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/rcYxCROyyIGlAYwfEr2Fp or at https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/ljh3CWLEEF6YA31hJ4iqd