Ultra runner Kílian Jornet smashed the Bob Graham endurance race record at the weekend - we share his latest achievement and give you some ideas for taking part in your own Mountain Marathon here in the UK.
How to become the next Kílian Jornet
On Sunday evening, world-renowned ultra-runner Kílian Jornet shattered the Bob Graham round record by over an hour, yet again making history on the fells of the Lake District.
Devised in 1932 by a Keswick guest-house owner, the Bob Graham round challenges endurance athletes to traverse 106km over 42 fells within 24 hours, a feat only around 2,000 people have managed to achieve. Jornet completed the course in just 12 hours 50 minutes, smashing the 36-year-old record set by Billy Bland in 1982.
Jornet endured over 8,200m of ascent in Lakes - almost the height of Everest, which he summited twice in one week last year without oxygen or fixed ropes.
What’s even more impressive is that Jornet has only just returned from a 3-month injury bout after fracturing his fibula earlier this year. He’ll be looking to pick up his 4th Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc win this September.
Jornet's top tips for the mountains
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"Enjoy every day and every outing. Training should not be an "obligation", just a way to improve."
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"Running in the mountains is not just running, it’s a 5-sense experience. You must enjoy the scenery, smell the earth, feel the wind and so on. It is important not to forget to enjoy yourself!"
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"When descending, relax, lose fear and move forward, just as if you were dancing!"
Test yourself on the mountains
Fancy yourself to be the next Kílian Jornet? Take a look at the Mountain Marathon series below for some inspiration on how to take the next step in fell running.
Mourne Mountain Marathon - 15 Sep
Ireland’s only two-day navigation and endurance event, the Mourne Mountain Marathon, is held each year in the spectacular mountains of Mourne.
ROC Mountain Marathon - 29 Sep
Famously relaxed and welcoming, the ROC Mountain Marathon is host to a fun and friendly atmosphere.
51st Original Mountain Marathon - 27 Oct
The UK’s biggest mountain race, the legendary Original Mountain Marathon, has shaped the UK outdoor community for 50 years.
Marmot Dark Mountains - 26 Jan 2019
Time to take the classic two-day mountain marathon format and give it a dark twist - the Marmot Dark Mountains event is packed into one winter’s night!
SILVA Great Lakeland 3Day - 4 May 2019
An adventurous three-day mountain marathon, the SILVA Great Lakeland 3Day hosts a unique, relaxed and friendly atmosphere that attracts both runners and long-distance walkers.
Conquer these European giants
Ultra Tour Monte Rosa and Ultra Tour de Mont Blanc.
Ultra Tour Monte Rosa - 3 Passes 100K
A tough trail, high and technical in many places, but incredibly beautiful. Less arduous than the full 170K, the Monte Rosa 3 Passes 100K gives you more time to appreciate the trails, while still giving you the ultimate mountain experience.
Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc
The pinnacle of trail running - a 171km race through the Alps connecting France, Italy and Switzerland. The Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc is widely regarded as one of the most difficult foot races in the world.
Looking for something different?
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