Fell runner Colin’s uphill challenge

PEAK fitness . . . Colin in training

FELL runner Colin Bishop is to tackle his sport’s biggest challenge — and it’s all for charity.

Colin is to take on “The Bob Graham round” which is a 72-mile circuit of the 42 highest peaks in the Lake District, within 24 hours.

Bob Graham, a publican from Keswick, first ran the round way back in 1933 and subsequent runners have set a blistering pace, whittling the record for the distance down to 14 hours.

Colin (37), who started fell running 10 years ago, said: “I decided to attempt this challenge last year and have been training for the last six months. During this time an old friend of mine fell ill with leukaemia and despite fighting bravely she died.

“After seeing the care that she received from Macmillan nurses during her illness I decided that I would dedicate my attempt to the charity and try to raise some money for people who find themselves in the same terrible position.

“The run itself has no guarantee of success and will be one of the most difficult things that I have ever undertaken.

“Just staying awake for 24 hours is bad enough but to continue running for a distance that equals three road marathons while climbing 26,000 feet in total will be a real challenge.”

Colin, a bus driver from Denbigh Street, has assembled a support team who will help him on the gruelling run on July 4.

He said: “Just thinking about what I’m undertaking is frightening, but I know for sure that nothing I can put myself through will be as hard as the challenge someone has fighting cancer.”

Anyone who would like to sponsor Colin is asked to visit his webpage at www.justgiving.com/colinbishop