A new world record has been set in Cumbria.

Kilian Jornet, who already holds the title of the fastest man ever to climb Everest, smashed the previous Bob Graham Round record.

The legendary route, starting and finishing in Keswick, sees competitors take on all 42 fells in the Lake District - covering about 106km and 8,200m of overall ascent.

Kilian completed the course in 12 hours and 52 minutes - eclipsing the time of the current record holder, local runner Billy Bland, by an hour.

The record had stood for 36 years.

The Bob Graham Round was established in 1932 when runner Bob Graham ran the 42 fells in less than 24 hours.

The challenge became a part of the local culture with the founding of the Bob Graham Round Club, whose membership is made up of those who have matched the founder’s achievement.

It wasn’t until 1960 that anyone dared to try it again and since then many have sought to join the legendary club.

In 1982 Billy Bland completed the course in 13 hours and 53 minutes.

To take part you have to comply with certain rules including informing club members you intend to do the course and being accompanied by someone on each of the 42 fells who can verify they were there.

Kilian set off at 6am on Sunday, accompanied by a team of 10 pacemakers.

Numerous other runners encouraged him along the way including Billy Bland himself.

On the first leg Kilian reached Threlkeld six minutes ahead of record pace.

From there he started the second leg to Dunmail Raise, where Billy was waiting to cheer on him.


The third leg was the longest one and the most challenging, where Kilian had to climb 15 summits until reaching Wasdale at 1pm, eight hours and nine minutes after starting.

He had by then completed half of the round, and was 30 minutes ahead of Billy's time.

From Wasdale, Kilian had to face the two last legs: nine peaks over a relatively short distance to Honister Pass, and then back to Keswick.

He said afterwards: “It has been hard, but very exciting.

"I've had the Bob Graham Round in mind for a while and finally I had the chance give it a try and I've realised how amazing the time was that Billy did 30 years ago.

"It has been a beautiful day out in the mountains, together with all the runners who came and helped pace me.

"I would also like to thank Billy who came to cheer me on, and everyone in Keswick.

"You can really feel the love for fell running, and I couldn’t be happier to have completed this round."