Fell Runners

Bob Graham was a Keswick guest-house owner known for his exceptional fell running abilities. In June 1932, he made history by breaking the Lakeland Fell record, traversing 42 fells within a 24-hour period. This achievement led to the establishment of the Bob Graham Round, a challenging hill running circuit in the English Lake District. Graham's legacy lives on through this iconic endurance challenge, inspiring countless individuals to push their limits in the realm of fell running.

Jasmin Paris MBE is a distinguished British runner renowned for her achievements in fell running, setting records in events like the Bob Graham Round and the Ramsay Round. She gained international recognition as a sky runner, winning the 2016 Skyrunner World Series and earning a bronze at the 2016 Skyrunning World Championships. Notably, she broke the men's course record by 12 hours at the 2019 Spine Race. Alongside her athletic feats, Paris is a senior lecturer at the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

Joss Naylor MBE was an accomplished English fell runner and sheep farmer based in the Lake District. Renowned for his remarkable long-distance running abilities, he set numerous records and earned the titles of "King of the Fells" and the "Iron Man." His professional life was marked by dedication to both running and farming, showcasing his exceptional athleticism and strong connection to the rugged landscape of the Lake District. Naylor's legacy as a versatile and determined athlete and farmer remains influential in the outdoor sports community.

Nicky Spinks is a renowned British long-distance runner specializing in fell running. She holds impressive women's records for major fell-running challenges such as the Ramsay Round, the Paddy Buckley Round, and the Bob Graham Round. Having simultaneously held the women's records for all three Rounds until 2016, she also held the overall record for the double Bob Graham Round until 2020. Nicky Spinks is the only person to have completed doubles of the other two Rounds. Currently residing in Yorkshire, she is also a farmer.

Finlay Wild is a renowned Scottish runner and mountaineer, excelling in the realm of British fell running. With an impressive track record, he has secured the title of British fell running champion and claimed victory in the prestigious Ben Nevis Race a remarkable twelve times. Wild's expertise in navigating challenging terrains and conquering mountainous landscapes has solidified his reputation as a formidable athlete in the field of trail running and mountaineering, earning him widespread recognition and admiration among fellow competitors and enthusiasts alike.

Bill Smith was a prominent figure in the world of fell running, known for his remarkable achievements in breaking records for scaling peaks within 24 hours. He was also recognized for his contributions to fell-running events and documenting the sport's history. His dedication and passion for fell running earned him the title of a "legend" within the community. Tragically, his accidental death in 2011 left a void in the sport. His body was found in a peat bog in the Forest of Bowland after a three-week disappearance.

Billy Bland is a British former long-distance runner known for his exceptional career in fell running from the mid-1970s to the late 1980s. He transitioned from participating in professional guides races to becoming a standout amateur competitor. Bland's achievements include winning the British Championships in 1980 and setting records in iconic races like the Bob Graham Round and the Wasdale Fell Race. His remarkable performances have solidified his reputation as one of the greatest long-distance fell runners in the history of the sport.

Ricky Lightfoot is a British runner who has excelled in trail running, winning numerous prestigious races both domestically and internationally. He has been sponsored by Salomon since 2008 and is a member of Ellenborough AC. In addition to his running career, Lightfoot works as a firefighter at Workington Fire Station. He has achieved significant success in ultramarathons, winning events such as the IAU Trail World Championships, Hammer Trail, and Zegama-Aizkorri race. Managed by Iconic Agency, Lightfoot continues to demonstrate his exceptional talent and dedication in the world of trail running.

Kenny Stuart was a prominent professional fell and road runner known for his remarkable achievements in the sport. He began his career as a professional fell racer before transitioning to amateur status in 1982. During his time as a professional, Stuart clinched the British championship titles in 1983, 1984, and 1985. He also set impressive course records in various races, showcasing his exceptional talent and determination. Stuart later shifted his focus to road running, achieving success with notable marathon wins and setting his personal best marathon time.

Shane Lynch is a renowned long-distance hill runner known for his exceptional achievements in the Wicklow Round challenge. With a strong passion for endurance sports, Lynch has made significant contributions to the running community. He has set records for the fastest Round, demonstrating his remarkable skill and dedication to the sport. Lynch's impressive performances have been featured in the short documentary film "Coming Home - Ag Teacht Abhaile," showcasing his determination and talent as a top athlete in the field of hill running.

Victoria Wilkinson is a versatile athlete excelling in running and cyclo-cross. She has achieved success at various levels, including being a world mountain running champion at the junior level. After a knee injury interrupted her running career, she turned to cyclo-cross before returning to running. Wilkinson has represented her country in global and European championships, winning prestigious races and setting records in both fell running and mountain running events. She continues to showcase her talent and determination in the competitive world of endurance sports.

Helene Diamantides is a dedicated and accomplished fell runner, known for her exceptional skills and passion for the sport. With a strong background in athletics, she has excelled in various competitions and races, showcasing her determination and competitive spirit. Helene's professional life is characterized by her commitment to training rigorously and pushing her limits to achieve success in the challenging terrain of fell running. She is respected among peers and admired for her resilience and achievements in this demanding field.

Keith Anderson is a male British former runner known for his achievements in fell running and road races. He began his running career at the age of thirty and quickly rose to success, winning various prestigious races. Anderson was recognized for his exceptional downhill running abilities and utilization of science and technology in his training. He later transitioned to cross country and road running, achieving notable results in national championships and marathons. Following his retirement, he turned to coaching and still holds course records in several races.

Colin Donnelly is a renowned Scottish runner recognized for his exceptional achievements in the field of fell running. He has secured the prestigious title of British fell running champion three times, showcasing his unmatched skill and dedication to the sport. Additionally, he attained an impressive second-place finish in the World Mountain Running Trophy, further solidifying his reputation as a top athlete in the discipline. Through his remarkable performances and competitive spirit, Colin Donnelly has left a lasting impact on the world of running.

Sarah Rowell is a highly accomplished professional renowned for her significant contributions in her field. With extensive experience and expertise, she has excelled in various projects and initiatives, leading to numerous achievements and milestones in her career. Sarah's innovative approach and strategic thinking have established her as a respected leader in the industry, inspiring others with her passion and commitment to excellence.

Ian Holmes is an accomplished English fell runner with multiple national championships in the 1990s and 2000s. He represented his country at prestigious events such as the World Trophy and European Trophy. Holmes' running career began after a back injury shifted his focus from rugby to running. He honed his skills as a ski instructor in Bolzano, which significantly improved his fitness. Known for his descending ability, Holmes has secured numerous victories in both domestic and international races, establishing himself as a dominant force in the sport.

Yvette Baker is a highly accomplished orienteer, recognized as Britain's most successful in the sport. She achieved a significant career milestone by winning the short distance event at the 1999 World Orienteering Championships in Inverness. Her dedication, skill, and competitive spirit have propelled her to the top of her field, earning her admiration and respect from fellow athletes and fans alike. Through her remarkable achievements and continued commitment to orienteering, Yvette Baker has left a lasting impact on the sport at both national and international levels.

Gavin Bland is a successful British fell runner with a notable career in the sport. He has achieved significant accomplishments, including winning various English and British Championships throughout the years. Bland has represented his country at the World Mountain Running Trophy and has excelled in prestigious long fell races such as the Ben Nevis Race, Borrowdale, and the Three Peaks. Despite occasional interruptions in his racing career, he has maintained good form and continues to hold race records in several events.

Yiannis Tridimas is a highly accomplished long-distance fell runner, known for completing challenging courses such as the Bob Graham Round and the Cuillin round in the Isle of Skye. He has achieved remarkable feats in the world of ultra-distance running, including completing major 24-hour rounds in England, Scotland, and Wales, as well as his own Meirionnydd round. Yiannis has also excelled in mountain marathons, winning in the veteran section at the Karrimor International Mountain Marathon. He is a respected member of the Fell Runners Association and Bowland fellrunners club.

Robert Hope is an accomplished English runner, known for his success in fell running championships and representing his country at international events such as the World Mountain Running Trophy. He has been a national champion multiple times and has achieved notable victories in various races throughout his career. With a strong track record in both English and British Fell Running Championships, Hope's dedication and skill have earned him a respected reputation in the running community.

Carol Greenwood is an accomplished English former runner with a successful career in mountain and fell running. She achieved notable victories such as winning the World Mountain Running Trophy and being a national fell running champion multiple times. Greenwood also represented her country at various international competitions, including the World Cross Country Championships and the World Women's Road Race Championships. Despite facing challenges like sciatica during her career, she displayed remarkable resilience and skill, earning multiple victories and setting records in prestigious races.

Simon Bailey is an accomplished English runner known for his success in fell running championships. He has represented his country at the World Mountain Running Trophy multiple times and has achieved notable finishes in various races. Bailey has won multiple British and English Fell Running Championships, setting course records along the way. In addition to his individual successes, he has also competed at international events such as the Commonwealth Mountain Running Championships and the World Masters Mountain Running Championships.

Pauline Stuart is a former pioneer female fell runner who made a significant impact in the late 1970s and early 1980s. She achieved numerous victories in classic fell races and was the first woman to win many of them. Stuart's dedication to the sport led to multiple championship wins and course records, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination. She also competed internationally, demonstrating her skills on a global stage. Stuart's professional career was marked by resilience, success, and a trailblazing spirit in the world of fell running.

Mark Kinch is an accomplished English former runner known for his success in fell running. He claimed victories in both the British and English Fell Running Championships in the mid-1990s and represented England at various international competitions, including the World Mountain Running Trophy and the European Trophy. Kinch also won the British Open Fell Runners Association Championships in 1997 and 1998 and was the British Trail Running Champion. He has set course records in prestigious fell races and later served as a team manager for England in mountain running.

Peter Ravald is a well-known British long-distance and fell runner who achieved fame by setting a new Half Marathon world record in 1966 with a time of 1:05:42. One of his significant accomplishments was winning the Rivington Pike fell race in 1979, following his 3rd place finishes in 1964 and 1967. In 2018, he contested as an independent candidate in the Lever Park Ward for the Horwich Town Council election and narrowly missed victory by only seven votes. Ravald's commitment to running and community engagement is evident in his professional endeavors.

Pippa Maddams is a highly accomplished former mountain and fell runner from Britain. She achieved significant success in the sport, winning the World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge in 2011. Maddams also secured multiple prestigious titles, including the British Fell Running Championships three years in a row from 2009 to 2011, and the English title in 2009. Notable race victories in her career include Wasdale in 2009, Borrowdale in 2010, and the Snowdon Race in 2011. Maddams' impressive achievements have solidified her reputation as a top athlete in the field of mountain and fell running.

Beverley Redfern is a highly accomplished British mountain runner known for her impressive victories in prestigious races. She gained international recognition by winning the 1990 World Mountain Running Championships and has continued to excel in her sport by claiming titles such as the Ben Nevis Race in 1989, the Coniston Fell Race and Sierre-Zinal in 1993. Redfern's remarkable athletic abilities are further highlighted by her enduring record in the Ben Lomond Hill Race, where she still holds the women's course record set in 1990.

Lauren Jeska is a British former fell runner known for her participation in the sport. She gained attention for being a trans woman and was at the center of a controversial incident involving the attempted murder of Ralph Knibbs, HR manager for UK Athletics. The incident stemmed from Knibbs investigating Jeska's eligibility to compete as a woman. Jeska's actions had serious repercussions on her professional life and reputation within the running community.

Steve Birkinshaw is an accomplished English fell runner and hydrologist known for his remarkable achievements in the world of endurance running. He gained recognition for setting the record for the fastest run around the 214 Wainwright summits, completing the challenge in just 6 days and 13 hours. His dedication to both fell running and hydrology demonstrates a strong work ethic and passion for the outdoors. Birkinshaw's professional life is marked by a unique blend of physical endurance and scientific expertise, making him a respected figure in both fields.

Rob Jebb is a highly accomplished English athlete known for his success in fell running, skyrunning, and cyclo-cross. He holds numerous prestigious titles, including multiple victories at the Three Peaks Cyclo-Cross and the Three Peaks Race. Jebb's career highlights include breaking Catalan dominance in the Buff Skyrunner World Series and winning various national championships. He is also recognized for his impressive feats in mountain running events, such as the Bob Graham Round, where he achieved remarkable time records.

Mike Hartley is a British former ultramarathon runner known for his impressive achievements in long-distance running. Throughout his career, he set numerous records and fastest known times for various long-distance footpaths in the UK, such as the Pennine Way and the Coast to Coast route. Hartley also excelled in road and track races, representing Great Britain at international championships and consistently ranking among the best in the country for the 100k distance. His dedication and success in the world of ultramarathon and long-distance running have solidified his legacy as a top athlete in the sport.

Andi Jones is an English athlete known for his achievements in road, cross country, and mountain/fell running. He has represented both England and Great Britain in various competitions. Despite being a leading distance runner, Jones chooses to work full-time and has been employed as head of Design and Technology at Falinge Park High School, Rochdale. He has also worked as a resistance material teacher at the same school. In 2014, Jones relocated to Qatar. Throughout his career, he has competed for various running clubs, including Stockport Harriers.

Sarah Liengu Etonge is a highly accomplished fell runner from Buea, Cameroon. She has achieved significant success by winning the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope seven times. Her most recent victory was in 2005, where she completed the race with an impressive time. In recognition of her exceptional achievements, Etonge was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in mountaineering and commemorated with a statue in her honor in the city of Buea. Her professional life is distinguished by her remarkable talent and numerous accolades in the field of fell running.

Paul Tierney is an accomplished Irish sportsperson with a background in hurling, having played for his local club Blackrock and the Cork senior inter-county team. Transitioning to fell running, he has achieved notable success in ultramarathons, including winning the Lakeland 100 in 2015 and completing the challenging Tor des Géants multiple times in impressive durations. As a running coach based in Cumbria, Tierney specializes in natural running techniques and has set records such as completing the 214 Wainwright summits in record time.

John Richard Wild is a retired English athlete known for his success in cross country, fell running, and the 3000m steeplechase. He achieved notable victories, including winning the Inter-Counties Cross Country Championships, representing England at the Commonwealth Games, and setting course records in various races. Wild excelled in fell running, winning multiple championships and races such as the Ben Nevis Race and the Three Peaks Race. His career transitioned to marathon running later on, but he faced challenges due to injuries. His story is detailed in Steve Chilton's book 'Running Hard: the story of a rivalry'.

Simon Booth is a renowned English runner known for his impressive achievements in the world of fell running. He has been twice crowned British fell running champion and has represented his country at prestigious events such as the World Mountain Running Trophy. Booth's stellar career includes numerous victories in prominent races both domestically and internationally, showcasing his exceptional talent and endurance. He has also made significant contributions to charitable causes through initiatives like the "No Cure, Always Hope, Ultra Run."

Timothy "Tim" Davies, a Welsh athlete, is renowned for his prowess in mountain and fell running. His impressive achievements include a fifth-place finish in the World Mountain Running Trophy in 2003 and a silver medal at the 2004 European Mountain Running Championships. Noteworthy victories in competitions such as the Snowdon Race and the British Fell Running Championships in 2010 have solidified Davies' status as a prominent figure in the running world. Apart from his athletic pursuits, he has a background as a former Royal Marine and currently manages a farm on the Welsh/English border.

Ted Mason is a Yorkshire-born farmer renowned for his achievements as a fell runner. He pursued a farming career after completing a Higher National Diploma in agriculture. A member of various running associations, Mason excels at descending during races, earning praise for his speed. He has won multiple championship races, including the BOFRA title in 2002, 2003, 2012, 2014, and 2015. Additionally, he achieved significant victories in iconic races like the Burnsall Classic. Mason has been featured on television programs showcasing his training and racing prowess.

Jethro Lennox is a highly accomplished Scottish male mountain runner with a successful professional career. He has achieved notable victories in the World Long Distance Mountain Running Challenge at the Three Peaks Race in 2008. Additionally, Lennox was crowned the Scottish hill running champion in several years, including 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2011. His consistent performance and dedication to the sport have solidified his reputation as a top athlete in the field of mountain running.

Andy Styan is a renowned British fell runner, known for his exceptional performances in various races. He made a significant impact in the fell running community by winning races such as Langdale Horseshoe, Ennerdale Horseshoe, Wasdale, Duddon Valley, Edale Skyline, and the Isle of Jura. Styan's impressive record includes being the national champion in 1979 and runner-up in 1978 in the British Fell Running Championships. He also served as the editor of The Fell Runner between 1979 and 1982, contributing to the sport's community and development.

Mark Alan Rigby is a renowned British runner with a successful career in hill running. He has achieved numerous victories in prestigious fell races, including Ben Nevis and the Isle of Jura, showcasing his exceptional talent and speed. Rigby's accomplishments include winning the navigational Lake District Mountain Trial and team events like the Karrimor International Mountain Marathon. As a veteran, he has continued to excel, winning the over-40 category in the British Fell Running Championships. Rigby has also represented Scotland at international mountain running events, demonstrating his skill on a global stage.

Angela Brand-Barker is a renowned British athlete known for her exceptional achievements in fell running and mountain sports. She has secured numerous victories in prestigious races such as the Ben Nevis Race and the Snowdon Race, establishing herself as a dominant force in the field. Brand-Barker's success extends to mountain bike orienteering, where she has clinched titles at both national and international levels. With a strong presence in competitive events like the World Mountain Running Trophy, she continues to inspire with her remarkable sporting prowess.

Tracey Brindley is a highly accomplished British runner with a successful career in mountain and fell running. She has achieved notable success at international events, including winning medals at the World Mountain Running Trophy and World Masters Mountain Running Championships. Domestically, she has secured victories in prestigious races such as the Three Peaks and Snowdon. Brindley's talent extends beyond mountain running, as she has also excelled in road races, claiming victories in events like the Morpeth To Newcastle Road Race and the Inverness Half Marathon.

Annie Conway is a highly accomplished British female mountain runner with notable achievements in the sport. In 2016, she claimed victory at the World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships, showcasing her exceptional endurance and skill. The following year, Conway further solidified her status as a top athlete by winning the prestigious Snowdon Race. Her dedication to mountain running and consistent success in competitive events highlight her talent, determination, and passion for the sport.