Gaynor conquers mountain challenge

A SUPER-FIT Oldhamer completed the challenge of a lifetime — running 66 miles while climbing 42 of the highest peaks in the Lake District . . . and all within 24 hours.

After a year of training Gaynor Keane (39), from Austerlands, completed the astonishing task, known as the Bob Graham Challenge, becoming only the 146th woman to do so.

She set off from the Moot Hall in Keswick at 1am on her challenge, arriving back just over 23 hours later.

Gaynor, a member of Saddleworth Runners club, said: “The run was amazing.

“I was so well looked after throughout my attempt by more than 30 members of Saddleworth Runners Club who helped me navigate, ran in stages with me and ensured I was getting sufficient nutrition over the 24 hours.

“I’m proud to run with them. I can remember each and every minute of the challenge, but dropping down from the clouds into Honister was phenomenal; there were so many people cheering me on I thought I was hallucinating!”

Taking its name from a Keswick hotelier, the Bob Graham challenge started in 1932 and involves a 66-mile run with 27,000ft of ascent, which includes England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike, within the allotted 24 hours.
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