I see there's going to be an attempt on Billy Bland's amazing Bob Graham Record of 13 hrs 53 mins set way back in 1982
It is slightly cheating in that they're using so many runners but it's all in a good cause
fellsangels.com

I would think it's going to be a logistical nightmare trying to get all the runners in the right place at the right time ('cos there's some pretty remote spots on the BG)

67 runners each doing a mile to beat Billy's record, just shows what a bloody outstanding feat that was - he did it all of it!

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Cheers

Shaun

wedding photographer surrey

Have I got this right, he ran the whole way, and they are planning on breaking it into 1 mile relays. That doesn't break any record.

If they all run their mile at the same time they can be in the pub for lunch

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Start weight: 18 st 4.. Best weight: 14 st 3.. Current Goal: 14st 0lb

Surely 67 good runners each doing a mile should be able to completely smash a record done by an individual. It seems a silly thing to do. I mean 26 very good, but not world class, club runners could each do a mile and smash the individual marathon record, but frankly it would be pointless.

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Running Goals for 2010
1. Sub 5 minute mile
2. Sub 17 5k (Done in 16:57)
3. Sub 35 10k
4. Sub 1:20 half marathon

They have to run the race as a relay - handing over a baton. Just finding each other at the correct spot at the right time is going to be a nightmare especially if the cloud is down on the tops. Billy was on supreme form that day - his pacers (top athletes, joining him for support
giving him drinks were being burnt off - they couldn't hang onto him even though they were fresh)
Look at the pics on on the 'Sub 20 Bob Graham' thread' and imagine some ordinary runners
trying to run up those fells on their leg

They're going to struggle to beat the record believe me!

It's raising money for charity and it won't be easy.
I think there wouldn't be many clubs in the UK who could raise enough runners to beat
Haile Gebreselassie over a marathon in a relay (They'll have to have 26 runners who can beat 4.42 per mile - off the top of my head I can't think of one club in Britain) This attempt is over the fells running 72 miles and climbing over 27,000 feet - they'll need good climbers, good descenders, and more importantly good navigators - No it's a challenge alright

The Bob Graham 24 Hour Club

Completely pointless other than the fact its for charity - if the could get enough 10 secs 100 metre runners they would completely obliterate the record

Notice the picture on the website has Billy Bland surrounded by the runners so at least he is supporting them.

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Cheers

Shaun

wedding photographer surrey

I think everyone is underestimating how amazing Billy Bland's record is as Epocian says this isn't running a road marathon this is 42 peaks in the Lake District you have to be made of hard stuff to attempt this

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Steady Eddie marathon runner

Sub 2:16 HM at Four Villages 17/01/2010 set by Twinnies

I totally get how amazing the record is. 66 miles in 13 hours with that ascent is insane. That's 12 minute miles! It beggars belief. I can hardly get my head around it. But I still think getting 66 people to do just one mile of it shouldn't be regarded as some amazing achievement, but I see the point if it is for charity. Maybe I just don't know enough about hill running.

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Running Goals for 2010
1. Sub 5 minute mile
2. Sub 17 5k (Done in 16:57)
3. Sub 35 10k
4. Sub 1:20 half marathon

JB - Get yourself a copy of 'Feet in the Clouds' by Richard Askwith
a brilliant read even if you never intend to run on the hills yourself

Amazon.co.uk: feet in the clouds

Read some of the reviews on Amazon about the book

Very true SE - you really need to have been up just one of the peaks to realise the immensity of the task.

PS After you've done your navigation course are you tempted to try a short one or an orienteering event?

Already have it! How strange you mentioned this when the book just arrived at my work no more than an hour ago. I've just this second completed the first 3 chapters! Great read. I like the following paragraph describing the four things you need as a fell runner:

"... you need four things. A good heart and lungs. A light frame, preferably well under 10 stone, with no excess fat. The kind of sure-footedness that comes from lifelong familiarity with the hills. And a disregard for pain and danger that verges on lunacy".

I have only one of those traits. The heart and lungs!!!

I do take back some of the things I've said about this attempt. Reading just the first few pages of Feet in the Clouds gives me a glimpse already of how incredibly difficult running at any decent pace can be in the hills!!!!

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Running Goals for 2010
1. Sub 5 minute mile
2. Sub 17 5k (Done in 16:57)
3. Sub 35 10k
4. Sub 1:20 half marathon

.....and read all about King Billy. I like the bit where he says he once walked the 'Bob Graham' round, in a little under 21 hours, and it was the only time he ever got injured - tearing a knee ligament through holding back going down hills! Wonderful stuff.
Cheers!

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Give me the hills!

He's talking about a top fell runner - I'll bet there are far more runners over 10 stone than under it. I think great descenders are born but certainly anyone can get better at descending - it's practice that makes you better. If you're trying really hard whether it be on the fell or the road you'll experience some pain. Some of the descents are lunatic when looking at them in hindsight but the thing is just concentrate on keep upright as you fly down the hill don't think about the danger. When running down the Ben for example if you think about how it's going to be really painful if you fall on the rocks then chances are you will fall. Just don't think about it!
(Well that was my philosophy anyway and it seemed to work!)

Great book and an amazing feat.