The latest runner to complete the Elterwater Hostel 23 before Tea challenge is Cal MacLennan from Oxfordshire. Cal is an ultra runner with Paul Wilson‘s SummitUltra group and Abingdon athletics club, and completed the Bob Graham a few years ago.
He ran on a grim day, and said he wasn’t quick: 11.5 hours. “Quite difficult conditions with no visibility and a bit of a gale on Fairfield, but it was good to do.”
Cal followed the now established route refined by Gavin Dale in his record run, and taking the 23 Wainwright summits in that order: Silver How, Blea Rigg, Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle, Loft Crag, Pike of Stickle, Thunacar Knott, High Raise, Sergeant Man, Tarn Crag, Calf Crag, Gibson Knott, Helm Crag, Nab Scar, Heron Pike, Stone Arthur, Great Rigg, Fairfield, Hart Crag, Dove Crag, High Pike, Low Pike and Loughrigg.
Gavin’s record stands at 5 hours 47 minutes. The route starts and finishes at the hostel gate, and completers are welcomed in for a brew at the end.
