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National
Owen Younger

"This record has been a huge dream of mine": County Durham runner sets new Lake District peaks record

A runner from Tudhoe in County Durham has set a new Lake District peaks record, after summiting 78 Lake District peaks on Saturday, and doing it 22 minutes quicker than the previous record holder.

People started competing for this record back in 1904, and it involves seeing how many Lake District peaks they can get top the top of within a 24-hour period.

Andy, who is a member of Keswick Athletics Club, now joins a prestigious list of fell running legends, including names such as Joss Naylor, Mark McDermott and Mark Hartell.

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The original plan was actually to do 79 peaks, however Andy decided against this during the run, to ensure that he would be able to reach the finish line of time.

His overall route totalled up to 94 miles, and around 40,000 ft of ascent. Andy was supported during his record breaking attempt by his partner, Jess, and former record holder Kim Collison, who is also his coach.

Andy climbing one of the 78 peaks on his journey (Damian Hall/inov-8)

Some of the peaks that Andy scaled during his record run include England's highest mountain Scafell Pike, Skiddaw, Helvellyn and Great Gable.

Andy has spoken of his delight at breaking the record, as well as thanking the people that came out to help and support him during his feat.

"I can't believe it all came together on the day and I managed to build on the incredible feats of those who have gone before.

"This record has been a huge dream of mine and everything I've done over the past 8 months built up to this attempt. I feel proud to now see my name alongside some of the greatest long-distance fell runners in history.

"I'm indebted to everyone who came out to help me, It couldn't have been done without each and every one of them."

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