MEMBERS of the Bob Graham Club are held in great esteem in fell running circles.

Any aspiring member must traverse 42 lakeland peaks covering 72 miles and climbing 27,000 feet of ascent.

This remarkable feat must be completed in 24 hours; one second longer and the attempt is deemed a failure.

Horwich RMI Harrier Mary White, along with her twin sister, Margaret Huyton, a member of Macclesfield Harriers, decided on a joint attempt. If successful, they would become the first set of twins to run the Bob Graham Round. Mary would also become only the second Horwich lady to join the club.

Starting at 6.15pm last Friday from the Moot Hall in Keswick, both athletes enjoyed strong back-up from their respective clubs.

The success would be dependent, not only on the athletes' fitness and ability, but also favourable weather conditions, good route knowledge, and an injury-free run. It was the support team's job to assist with the route and to carry food and dry clothing.

Fortunately the weather was near perfect throughout the attempt. A strong, steady pace saw both athletes in good condition as they descended Blancathra after two-and-a-half hours of running and being on schedule. Stage two took in Dunmale Raise, which had to be traversed in the dark.

Running under torchlight meant a slight loss of time, but spirits were lifted by the sight of the flashing headlights of the support vehicle at the end of the stage.

The next stage brought about the high spots in the attempt. The sunrise over the Pike of Stickle lifted the spirits of both runners, giving them new-found strength and confidence to tackle the fearsome rock climb over Broadstand. With the aid of ropes, they scrambled over the loose scree to safety, and onwards and upwards to the top of Scafell Pike.

With no injury worries and slightly ahead of schedule, confidence was high. Fourteen hours of constant running works wonders for the appetite, so on to Wasdale where the support was on hand with breakfast. Fatigue was now setting in.

The fifth stage was the long, gruelling climb of Yewbarrow. Spirits at their lowest ebb were kept alive by the constant banter from the support runners, Alan Sweetnam and Geoff Holloway. Fifteen hours into the run and both Mary and Margaret were now back on song but, more importantly, ahead of schedule.

From Pillar, the sight of Great Gable and Honister beckoned. It was at this stage that the realisation the attempt would be a success dawned, providing both athletes kept free of injury. The final run in to Moot Hall was one of great elation and as they crossed the finish line they were greeted by the secretary of the Bob Graham Club who was on hand to ratify the attempt in the excellent time of 22 hours 31 minutes, well inside the cut-off time.

The support team fittingly served up a well-earned glass of champagne of deserved congratulations from Horwich RMI Harriers.

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