OVER the course of six 'brutal' days, a mountain rescue volunteer undertook one of the world’s toughest endurance races.
Last week, Chris Wright (who is a member of Penrith MRT), embarked on the non-stop monstrous challenge that is the Montane Spine Race - a 268-mile winter ultra-marathon, encompassing the entire Pennine Way from Edale to Kirk Yetholm.
Chris, who embarked on January 15, took the challenge upon himself as a bit of a personal goal, as well as raising funds for both a new base for the Penrith MRT but also for Alzheimers Research UK.
The 'pleased' sixty-year-old had been toying with the idea in competing in the endurance expedition for a number of years, having been part of the event's safety team for two years.
"Working on the safety team gave me an insight as to what really goes on, what kit they use and struggles they face - by the time I came to the start line, I knew what I was letting myself in for in terms of how brutal it is," he said.
The former teacher completed the challenge in 158 hours and 23 minutes, running on about 16 hours sleep in between.
"This was my making the impossible, possible," Chris said.
"It's not a 268 mile footrace challenge as such, but it's more about the personal administration. It's looking after yourself, feeding yourself, keeping an eye on the time - it's a huge logistical challenge.
"I nearly didn't finish at 70 miles in. My thighs and feet were aching so badly, I stopped at Malham Village and I had entertained the idea of throwing in the towel.
"I had a break with some snacks, followed by a two-hour sleep as I bivvied down in Malham's public toilets as it was so cold. I started out again at 1:45am, and after that my legs were absolutely fine. It's just my feet now," he said.
"I like to inspire people to do things because I want people to achieve things that they thought weren't possible - if I can, then that's brilliant," he said.
So far Chris' challenge has raised just under £2,000, to donate visit his Just Giving page.
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