UPDATE - STARTING 19TH AUGUST @ 18:00

TRACKER: https://live.opentracking.co.uk/bgras2021/

I’ll be attempting to run the Bob Graham Round, a 66-mile run over 42 Lake District fells with over 27,000ft of vertical ascent, all within 24 hours. Earning this iconic Lakeland fell-running token has been within my sights for over five years and I've never ran for 24 hours before. Only now it feels more important than ever.

I’ll be starting from the Moot Hall in Keswick at 18:00 and aiming to return by 18:00 the following day. Traditionally you’d have a team of pacers and support crew, but for flexibility and the added personal challenge, I will be attempting this solo and self-supported, stashing supplies en-route. 

The pandemic has been the perfect training: a real-life ultra-marathon that none of us entered. We’ve had countless false summits, peaks and troughs, a lonely dark period, exhaustion, overwhelm, feeling lost. If we keep moving one foot in front of the other, things will always work out when the time is right.

Losing access to what I loved most brought it’s own stress and low mood. But it also gave me a great reminder for the importance of being active, especially during the pandemic when many people have suffered far greater loss and trauma. That’s why we founded Mind Over Mountains, a charity restoring mental health through outdoor experiences. I’d be hugely grateful for any kind donations to help more people to access the support and time in nature that they deserve.

Thanks for your support. Onwards, upwards, downwards... and back up again! 

My live tracker is here: 

https://live.opentracking.co.uk/bgras2021/

- until then please do follow my progress on social media:

• www.mindovermountains.org.uk
• Facebook.com/AlexAdversity
• Instagram.com/alexstaniforth_
• Twitter.com/alex_staniforth