Run or Hike the Iconic Bob Graham Round

A guide to the iconic Bob Graham Round: a 66-mile ultra-distance mountain challenge taking in 42 Lake District fells with a total of 27,000 feet of ascent, which must be completed within 24 hours. Wow! Since it was first completed by local hotelier Bob Graham in 1932, “the 42 peak round has become a testing ground for the supremely fit," according to The Bob Graham 24 Hour Club. Only 1 out of 3 of the 200 fell runners complete the challenge in time each year and earn the glory of being part of the club.

The route begins and ends in Keswick and has been broken up into five legs. Taking you through drastic contrasts, from easy terrain to steep climbs with rewarding views of the lakes and even out to the Irish Sea, the different legs make for great hikes as well as fell running routes. The longest and perhaps most challenging leg is Dunmail to Wasdale, for which “you need the fell craft of a goat to keep up a good pace," and makes for a full two-day hike.

Sources
Fell Running Challenge