A KENDAL runner he said he is delighted to finish in ninth place after completing a 47-mile ultra-marathon.

Ben Robinson, 31 from Kendal took part in The Lap completing it in 8 hours and 39 minutes and coming in ninth place.

Mr Robinson said: "So this weekend I took part in 'The Lap' - a stunning 47-mile ultra-marathon taking in the trails and fells surrounding lake Windermere. Although it stays away from the major Lakeland fells, it still manages to pack a punch with 2,500m of elevation, taking in such summits as Loughrigg, Wansfell, Orrest head and Gummer's howe.

"The race went better than I could have imagined and I managed to beat my time from last year by 4 hours! coming in 9th position in 8hours 39 minutes. Being part of Kendal Tri Club has definitely helped this progression, there are so many friendly, like-minded people to train and socialise with. New members are always welcome”

The Lap was created to provide a gateway event for runners and walkers to step up to ULTRA distance, without the worry of navigation, food or exposure to really bad weather.

On why he decided to take part, Mr Robinson said: 2I did it last year, on my journey back to fitness, the opportunity came to do it again this year and I thought it would be a good test for my fitness."

Mr Robinson has been a member of the Kendal Triathlon Club for the past two years, on what he loves about competing he said: "For me, I like the physical challenge and being able to compete in long-distance events."