David Parrish

Rescuers have paid tribute to an ultrarunner who died while trying to set a record for running the Cape Wrath Trail.

David Parrish was raising funds for Scottish Mountain Rescue during his unsupported attempt.

He set out on the 230-mile remote route as a tribute to his fellow former Royal Marine Luke Ireland who died of hypothermia while running in the mountains of Glen Clova in 2014.

Volunteers from Kintail Mountain Rescue Team led the search for 35-year-old David Parrish after he was reported missing on Saturday, and his body was found about 10.25pm that day, close to Meallan Odhar above Glen Shiel.

A spokesperson for Kintail MRT said: “Our thoughts are with David’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. David was an experienced hillgoer and mountain runner who tragically died doing something he loved.”

A spokesperson for Scottish Mountain Rescue said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of David Parrish during his fundraising challenge on the Cape Wrath Trail.

“His loss is felt sharply across our teams, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones at this incredibly painful time.

David Parrish with Luke Ireland

“David was a generous, warm-hearted and inspiring member of our community, who had chosen to take on this challenge in memory of a close friend who lost their life while running in the hills. David’s dedication to honouring his friend’s memory, while raising funds to support our service, truly moved us all.

“His fundraising efforts will support our volunteer teams as they continue to respond to emergencies across Scotland’s mountains, leaving a lasting legacy to both friends in the Scottish outdoors.

“Everyone at Scottish Mountain Rescue is devastated by this news. Our thoughts are with David’s family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss. We also remember Luke, in whose memory this challenge was undertaken, making this loss all the more profound.”

Scottish Mountain Rescue is the umbrella organisation for 26 volunteer mountain rescue teams north of the border.

The Dumfries-based ultrarunner won the Cape Wrath Ultra race at his first attempt, with Jo Meek in 2023.

The record for an unsupported completion of the trail, which runs from Fort William to the north-westernmost point of the Scottish mainland at Cape Wrath, along an undefined route, is just over 3½ days.

Police Scotland said: “There are no suspicious circumstances and his next of kin are aware.”

David Parrish’s JustGiving page had attracted donations totalling more than £19,000 at the time of writing, with more than 850 people donating.

• This version of the story replaces and earlier one in which a photo of Luke Ireland was erroneously used instead of one of David Parrish. Apologies for the error.

The Priest's Hole is located high on Dove Crag. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

A group of adventurous teenagers had to be rescued from a Lake District mountainside as Storm Dave lashed the fells.

The four young men intended to camp in the Priest’s Hole on Dove Crag, but failed to reach the cave.

Rescuers said the youngsters were lucky to escape without serious injury.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was alerted by Cumbria police about 9.10pm on Saturday.

A team spokesperson said: “The duty leader put the team on standby and attempted to contact the group of males. After numerous attempts contact was eventually made.

“It was quickly established the group had failed to reach the Priest’s Hole and had succumbed to the wild and wet weather which storm Dave was throwing at them and were now cold, wet and fearing for their lives as they didn’t have a tent to protect them.

“A full callout was initiated and team members made their way to Patterdale base along the lake road where trees were blown over and lots of debris from the high winds was making driving conditions dangerous.”

The Patterdale team requested the help of colleagues from Penrith MRT because of the nature of the rescue and the location.

“On reaching the group, one of the casualties was suffering from mild hypothermia,” the spokesperson said. “He was treated at scene, given medication and warmed up before slowly walking off the hill to the team’s Land Rovers parked in the Hartsop valley bottom.

“Once back at Patterdale base they were given hot drinks and warm dry clothing. Suitable advice was given on how lucky they were to be rescued in the conditions without serious injuries received.

“The team would like to remind the public that the Priest’s Hole is hard to find in the dark and can have serious consequences if you fail to find the route up the rock face, especially in wet and wild conditions.

“Patterdale MRT would also like to remind everyone to check the weather forecasts for the area intended and avoid exposed location in predicted storms. Numerous teams were out during the storm for stricken wild campers, putting everyone’s lives in danger unnecessarily.”

The six-hour incident involved 12 Patterdale MRT volunteers 11 Penrith team members. The Patterdale spokesperson thanked colleagues from the neighbouring team for their help.

The Patterdale team has previously pointed out the Priest’s Hole has grown in popularity following the BBC’s Secret Britain programme in 2016.

“Since the programme was aired, Patterdale MRT members have responded to several serious incidents, including a fatal accident at the site,” it said. “The programme has definitely increased the number of people attempting to spend the night there.”

Keswick MRT, meanwhile, has pleaded with those online to share details of rescues to help educate less experienced hill-goers.

The team said: “We are seeing an increase in callouts for ‘bucket-list’ hikers and younger walkers who follow viral trends rather than mountain safety.

“If you’re an influencer or have a following, please share the lessons from our incident reports to your stories. We need to reach the people who don’t follow us yet.

“We love your support, but please keep the comments kind. We share the stories of rescues to educate and update, not to invite judgment on the casualties involved. Let’s keep this a space for learning so we can reach those who don’t yet know the risks.”

The Dragon's Back followed the mountainous route down Wales. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

The company behind some of the UK’s toughest mountain running events has gone out of business,

Director Shane Ohly said Ourea Events has ceased trading.

He said upcoming races, the Northern Traverse, Cape Wrath Ultra, Dragon’s Back and Skyline Scotland will not take place, leaving runners who were anticipating the challenges without a race and out of pocket.

Mr Ohly said: “This is a deeply painful moment for everyone involved with the business, including our participants, staff, partners, suppliers, volunteers, and the wider trail-running community that has supported our events for the last 15 years.

“I am truly sorry that we have reached this point.

“We are especially aware of participants who have already paid race entry fees for our events. By opting to cease trading at this stage, our goal is to maximise the likelihood that the events will continue under a different structure or ownership. We sincerely hope this approach will give the best opportunity to protect the events and, where possible, deliver value for participants and creditors.”

The most recent accounts posted by Ourea Events, covering the period up to December 2024, showed it was relying on income from 2025 races to cover a deficit.

Mr Ohly said: “I believe we owe some explanation to participants who have trusted us with the entry fees, often paid long in advance of the event they have entered.

“Ourea Events was a profitable business before the Covid-19 pandemic, recording a modest profit at the end of 2019. However, the pandemic led to an 18-month period during which events could not take place and income ceased. Like many event companies, we were ineligible for Covid-related grants. This left Ourea with substantial Covid-related debt and a significantly weakened financial position.

“The pandemic was followed by Brexit at the end of 2020, which led to a collapse in international participation, especially among Europeans. At its peak, international participation reached as high as 50 per cent at some events. Additionally, the cost-of-living crisis in 2022 significantly impacted the business because our budgets are set well in advance, and when our costs increased by around 20 per cent, entry fees lagged 12 months behind revised costs.

“Ever since Covid, we have worked diligently to rebuild the business and restore its financial stability by pouring endless love and attention into each event. However, despite these efforts, the business has continued to operate at a loss. Throughout this period, we have held regular financial reviews with our professional advisers, and our judgment was that continuing to trade, continuing to organise the events, while gradually repaying debts, remained a reasonable and achievable way forward.

“Regrettably, the current trend in entries for 2026 clearly indicates that the financial situation will only gradually deteriorate further this year. Therefore, it has become evident that continuing to trade is neither fair nor reasonable, as it risks increasing the overall debt owed to creditors, participants, and suppliers.

“At this stage, although it was difficult, we decided that the only responsible action was to cease trading and allow the business to undergo a reorganisation.”

The Northern Traverse, and Lakes Dales and Moors Traverses were sold out and were due to start on 28 March, along the route of Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk. These will not now run.

The 400km Cape Wrath Ultra in northern Scotland, was planned to run in May. The Dragon’s Back in Wales was revived by Ourea Events in 2012 and was scheduled for September.

Mr Ohly said: “These events will not go ahead in 2026 under Ourea Events. We understand that many participants will be deeply disappointed and frustrated. Participants will be contacted in due course. We must ask you not to contact Ourea Events, as no-one will be able to respond.

“I want to thank the extraordinary community that has supported Ourea Events over the years, including runners, volunteers, partners, and other stakeholders who have helped create truly special events in the mountains and landscapes of the UK.

“In particular, I want to pay tribute to the exceptional team of employees I have had the honour to work with at Ourea Events.

“While today’s news is deeply upsetting, my sincere hope is that this process will allow the events themselves to continue in some form in the future. I am truly humbled by this experience and the support that the running community has given over many years.

“Please accept my sincerest apology.”

The Coastguard helicopter crew winch the injured man into their helicopter. Photo: Keswick MRT

A man was airlifted to hospital after suffering serious injuries when he fell more than 300ft on the Helvellyn range.

Two rescue teams and two helicopters were involved in the operation to help the man on Friday.

Cumbria police initially alerted Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team about 5pm but as the incident was on Browncove Crags on the western side of the fell, the team passed control to their colleagues in Keswick MRT.

A Keswick team spokesperson said: “The casualty was with a friend when he slipped, was unable to ice-axe arrest and fell approximately 100m down one of the gullies.

“His friend raised the alarm then made his way around to the base of the crag to find the casualty who was conscious but in a lot of pain. Fortunately they had a bothy bag in which to shelter until the team arrived.

“A Coastguard helicopter was requested and Rescue 936 from Caernarfon attended but was unable to get to the casualty location due to the low cloud.”

The incident was the first for the team’s new leader Tom Blakely who had taken over Keswick MRT’s team leadership at its annual meeting the previous evening.

A Patterdale MRT spokesperson said: “Due to [Keswick] MRT initially being low on responding team members and seriousness of the incident, KMRT requested assistance.”

Five Patterdale members who had just returned to their base after a snowy walk on Helvellyn then travelled to the Thirlmere valley to help.

The Keswick spokesperson said: “The casualty was assessed, given pain relief and packaged for a stretcher evacuation. The casualty was lowered by rope down the steep and snowy scree fan and then sledged and carried downward.

Rescuers stretcher the injured man down the mountainside. Photo: Patterdale MRT

“The Coastguard meantime supplied a grid reference for the team to aim for, where a winch evacuation would hopefully be possible. Once the team were below the cloud R936 very skilfully flew up towards the team.”

The casualty was winched into the helicopter and taken to the base of the hill where a Great North Air Ambulance Service team were awaiting to continue medical care. The GNAAS medics then accompanied the casualty in the helicopter to hospital in Preston.

The incident involved 21 Keswick MRT volunteers and the five from the Patterdale team.

The Keswick MRT spokesperson added: “Many thanks to the five Patterdale team members who turned out to help.”

Alpkit chief executive David Hanney

Outdoors company Alpkit said it has secured its operating future by entering into a ‘pre-pack’ administration.

The move saved the jobs of 194 staff, it said, and enabled the Nottinghamshire-based outfit to keep its stores open and fulfil orders.

Dutch financier Jeroen van den Berge will become non-executive chair of Alpkit and will work with the existing managerial team. He was described as an experienced investor, operator and outdoor enthusiast.

The company said, in a statement: “Financially, times have been tough. We’ve faced a ‘triple threat’ of macro-economic pressures over the last three years: rapid cost inflation, a challenging retail environment, and new trade barriers while servicing post-pandemic recovery loans.

“Our board has worked extensively over recent months to explore options and find a way to secure our future. This work has resulted in our securing new investment via a pre-pack process. The pre-pack process means that Alpkit briefly went into administration so that the company could be purchased by our new investor.”

A pre-pack administration allows for the sale of a business to an investor as a going concern, without affecting the continuity of business operations on the appointment of an administrator who would otherwise have to find a buyer for the company.

Alpkit said: “We have written to all our shareholders to share the news that, by Alpkit being put into administration, they have lost the value of their shares.

“This is a story of mixed emotions: sadness that we have not been able to offer a return to our shareholders; regret that we’ve let down people who put their trust in us. Determination that we will make good on the next chapter of Alpkit, knowing that the new ownership means we become well funded, more resilient.”

It added that all existing crowdfund shareholders will be offered a stake in the new company.

In 2020 the company offered its customers the chance to buy shares in Alpkit, with 1,350 customers snapping up the offer within 43 minutes. It repeated the exercise in October 2022. More than 470,000 shares were held by the CrowdCube nominees, which organised these offers.

The company, which had a turnover of £15m in its most recent accounts, but the number of customers had declined by 5 per cent. Its auditors noted in October 2024 a net loss of almost £1.5m and six-monthly loan facilities, including one in February 2026, casting a significant doubt on the company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

The company’s stated strategy was to increase its margins by moving production to regions with lower costs.

It donated one per cent of its turnover to the charitable Alpkit Foundation and is a B Corp certified company and has won awards for quality.

This week’s statement said: “The financial restructuring means that we can continue to do what we do – offering you technical outdoor gear that works hard but costs less.”

In April 2025, Alpkit bought the outdoor and travel bag brand Trakke.

Jeroen van den Berge, the new investment partner, said: “What excites me about Alpkit is the strong heritage and values, leading product credentials, direct-to-consumer model and loyal membership base.

“I also share the team’s vision of Alpkit becoming a home to other complimentary brands, similar to what was achieved with Trakke. I look forward to supporting David [Hanney, chief executive] and the team during the next phase of their exciting journey.”

The brand began in the Peak District in 2004, launched by four friends who, frustrated at the price of outdoor kit, decided to make and sell sustainable, technical kit at sensible prices.

David Hanney said on Wednesday: “While today is a day of reflection on the challenges that led to this restructure, and we deeply regret the impact on our creditors, partners and shareholders, it is also the start of a vital new chapter.”

Hen harriers have additional legal protection. Photo: Bernard Stam CC-BY-SA-2.0

A former gamekeeper has been fined after he was covertly recorded trying to kill a legally protected bird of prey.

Racster Dingwall pleaded guilty to encouraging or assisting bird of prey persecution, using the Serious Crime Act 2007, believed to be the first case of its kind in the country.

The incident happened in October 2024 on Grassington Moor in the Yorkshire Dales.

North Yorkshire Police said a covert camera placed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds captured footage of three men on the moor, using radios and speaking in code to discuss shooting towards and killing wild birds, including hen harriers.

The recording was passed to North Yorkshire Police, and an investigation was launched by the force’s rural taskforce.

“The footage was processed by technicians at the Regional Scientific Support Services, and an expert from the National Wildlife Crime Unit was called in to interpret it,” a police spokesperson said.

“This analysis showed that one of the men, later identified as gamekeeper Racster Dingwall, was in possession of a semi-automatic shotgun for the sole purpose of killing a hen harrier.”

Dingwall, 35, from Ellingstring, in Wensleydale, but who formerly lived near Grassington, was interviewed by rural taskforce officers, and subsequently charged with encouraging or assisting the killing of a schedule 1 wild bird, contrary to sections 45 and 58 of the Serious Crime Act 2007; and possessing a shotgun for the purpose of killing a schedule 1 wild bird, contrary to section 18 (2) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Dingwall pleaded guilty to both offences at York Magistrates’ Court, where he was ordered to pay a total of £1,520 in fines, victim surcharge and prosecution costs.

All wild birds are protected by law, and schedule 1 birds, including hen harriers, have additional protection.

It is thought to be the first time a charge of encouraging or assisting an offence under the Serious Crime Act 2007 has been used in relation to bird of prey persecution.

North Yorkshire, and the Yorkshire Dales national park, are among some of England’s worst areas for recorded raptor persecution.

After the sentencing hearing, Inspector Mark Earnshaw of North Yorkshire Police said: “The cruel and illegal persecution of hen harriers and other birds of prey is totally unacceptable.

“This outcome at court follows a thorough police investigation, and incontrovertible evidence. It should send a strong message to anyone else engaged in this criminality: they will be investigated, identified, and put before the courts to face the consequences of their actions.”

The RSPB said these types of raptor persecution crimes are almost undetectable, as they happen in remote locations and during unsociable hours, away from public eyes.
It said Dingwall was the head gamekeeper on the Conistone and Grassington Estate.

Mark Thomas, UK head of investigations, said: “This landmark conviction has shone a light on this issue, revealing the lengths individuals will go to in order to illegally target these protected birds of prey.

“Shockingly, over 100 hen harriers have been confirmed or suspected to have been illegally killed on or near grouse moors in the UK in just the last five years. The RSPB will not rest until the future for this bird is secured and that can only happen with legislative change.

“Government licensing of grouse shooting is now essential to change practices in this sector“.

Howard Jones, RSPB senior investigations officer, added: “Once again, RSPB video evidence has been crucial in securing a significant conviction for raptor persecution.

“We were pleased that the RSPB’s covert evidence, so brilliantly gathered by the team, was ruled admissible in this case and we thank the police, the NWCU and the [Crown Prosecution Service] for their work in securing justice.”

Wasdale Head Inn. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

A Lake District team has had to pay hotel costs for a pair of walkers they rescued, after the men left without settling their bill.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team appealed to the young men to do the right thing and reimburse the volunteer team, which is a registered charity.

The pair who showed a lack of festive spirit had also been aided by a wild camper high on the fells who sheltered them on the night of 29 December until rescuers arrived.

A spokesperson for Wasdale MRT said: “We avoid judging those we rescue but struggle to understand when the rescued take advantage of hospitality provided by our supporters in the valley.”

The team described the incident as an avoidable, seven-hour rescue. Police alerted the volunteers to two young male walkers lost at night, high on Scafell Pike with treacherous wintry underfoot conditions.

The spokesperson said: “Their location was identified as the Corridor Route just before the Bad Step.

“A limited callout was made to locate the walkers and escort them to safety. Shortly afterwards, a further call was received to say that a nearby wild camper had heard shouts, located the walkers and sheltered them at his tent at Chriscliffe Knotts until team members arrived.

“The pair were located, given extra warm jackets and microspikes due to the icy conditions, and were walked back to Brackenclose as the safest descent route. One of the walker’s previous knee injury worsened on the descent and he was given simple pain relief to help, alongside direct support from team members.”

“When they were safely returned to the valley bottom, wet and hungry in the early hours of the next day, Steve the bar manager at the Wasdale Head Inn kindly agreed to stay up, provide some snacks and let the two men stay in one of the unoccupied apartments at a significant 35 per cent reduced rate.

“The two had already agreed to pay but their money was in their tent somewhere high on the fell near Green Gable.

“Disappointingly, in the morning they offered no thanks for the efforts of the hotel, asked for further reductions to the cost, pushed hard for a breakfast and asked if they could arrange transport to get them out of the valley.

“The answer was: sorry no extras and please transfer money when you can.

The walkers got lost on Scafell Pike. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

“Sadly there has been no payment to the hotel of the £130 outstanding room cost or thank you to Steve. Neither did the telephone number given to Steve work.

“We as a volunteer organisation are also missing the two headtorches lent to them to get them safely off the mountain.

“The hotel has already agreed to cover the loss thanks to Steve and hotel owner. However, as we had promised to cover any loss if the walkers failed pay, we do still feel obliged to reimburse the hotel from our own funds in order that similar hospitality can be requested in the future under similar circumstances.”

Wasdale MRT said it has tried contacting the two walkers to encourage them to settle their debt with the hotel but also to return the headtorches. “We also would like to return their hospital crutch left in our vehicle that one of them with a previous leg injury had used on the ascent but again, sadly no replies to date.”

The team said it hoped publicising the incident might prompt the pair to settle their debt and return the headtorches. “They might also reflect on the kindness they were offered that night by the staff at the Wasdale Head Inn and our own volunteer team following their eventful visit to Cumbria.

“Our search and rescue service is freely provided by our unpaid volunteers. We never charge but equally donations are always appreciated, especially to help contribute to our significant capital and operational costs, and even some of our more unusual but rare £130 losses.”

Donations to Wasdale MRT can be made via the team’s website.

The rescue scene on Great End. Photo: Keswick MRT

Rescuers said a man miraculously escaped serious injury in a fall on the Scafell range in the Lake District.

Two mountain rescue teams and two helicopters responded to the incident on Great End on Saturday.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was alerted about 2.15pm.

A team spokesperson said the 74-year-old took a considerable fall while climbing Central Gully in snowy and icy conditions.

“Because of the potential seriousness of the incident a Coastguard helicopter was requested and, meantime, [Great North Air Ambulance Service] Helimed 58 also self-tasked. Penrith MRT were asked to provide additional personnel.”

A nine-hour rescue operation ensued, with helicopters unable to reach the injured climber because the crag was in cloud.

The spokesperson said: “Some team members were lifted by Helimed 58 to Sty Head. Others made their way on foot to the base and top of the crag.

“A rope system was rigged on the summit plateau at the head of Central Gully and two team members were lowered down to the casualty who was then lowered to the base of the crag and a receiving party.

“The man had had a miraculous escape from serious injury, seemingly hitting mostly soft snow on his lengthy fall meaning he was able to walk off with help from team members, saving what would have been a very arduous stretcher carry.”

The incident involved 19 volunteers from Keswick MRT and 10 Penrith MRT team members.

The Keswick spokesperson thanked Penrith MRT colleagues, the crews from GNAAS Prestwick Coastguard helicopters. “While the casualty was on his way to hospital to get checked out, team members made their way back to base to sort kit and enjoy some well deserved pizzas.”

British Mountaineering Council's chief executive Paul Ratcliffe announces the news. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Manchester will host a World Climbing Series event in 2027, five years since the UK last staged a round of the competition climbing world cup.

The British Mountaineering Council announced the news at a gathering in the host city.

The event will take place in the city centre in June 2027, a year ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics, which the BMC said will give GB Climbing athletes a chance to compete on home turf in the lead-up to the Olympic and Paralympic tournaments.

The BMC oversees the GB Climbing team, and has worked with Manchester City Council, Manchester Accommodation Business Improvement District and World Climbing to bring the event to the city. It said substantial National Lottery investment has been secured through UK Sport, the body that supports high-performance athletes.

World Climbing, formerly known as the International Federation of Sport Climbing, is the international governing body for climbing. Its president Marco Scolaris said: “Great Britain has a rich history in organising world-class events and we are thrilled to be back with our World Climbing Series in 2027, in a city synonymous with sport.

“The timing is also perfect with the strength of the British athletes on the world stage, the climbers and the BMC have helped grow the climbing community in Britain. Since Toby Roberts capped a strong British Olympic performance with a gold medal at Paris 2024, everything has gone up another level.

“I’m excited to visit Manchester and see the reaction of the crowd not only to the British athletes, but all of our climbers. The British public always comes out to support sport, and now we will get to experience that amazing support firsthand.”

The announcement was made at the British Mountaineering Council's stategy launch at the Campfield Centre in Manchester. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

The BMC, which is based in a suburb of Manchester and represents climbers, mountaineers and hillwalkers in England and Wales, said the announcement formed part of its Route to Adventure strategy, using major events alongside sustained investment in participation and development to support the long-term growth of climbing.

Launched as part of the Moving Together campaign, the BMC said its Route to Adventure strategy puts access to nature, community wellbeing, skills development and grassroots participation at its core.

“Developed over a year of consultation with members and the wider outdoor community, the roadmap sets out practical steps to broaden participation, strengthen skills, safeguard landscapes and build a more diverse and inclusive adventure community,” it said.

Its chief executive Paul Ratcliffe said: “Our activities can be and are life changing.

“For many people, walking in the hills or climbing at a local wall is not about performance, it’s about personal challenge, mental health, confidence and feeling part of something bigger.

“Route to Adventure is about making sure those benefits are available for all, regardless of background or starting point.

“With more people seeking adventure in the hills, on crags and at climbing walls, the BMC is taking responsibility to make adventure accessible to everyone – and to give people the practical skills and confidence to explore safely.”

The organisation said protecting access to land and landscapes is central to the strategy, at a time when pressure on green spaces is increasing and current ‘right to road’ gives access to just 8 per cent of England. The BMC says campaigning for responsible access, caring for fragile environments, and supporting community-led conservation will be essential to ensuring future generations can enjoy the outdoors.

“The strategy recognises the important role indoor climbing plays as a gateway to outdoor adventure, particularly for younger people and those new to the sport. The connection between grassroots participation and elite performance is underlined, supporting journeys that run from first experiences outdoors to Olympic, Paralympic and world-class competition, as well as mountaineering at the highest level,” it said.

More information on the 2027 Climbing World Series will be released when plans have been confirmed.

Sébastien Raichon. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

Sébastien Raichon has won the Montane Spine Race at his first attempt.

The French ultrarunner reached the finish at Kirk Yetholm at 7.43 on Thursday morning, completing the Pennine Way course in just under four days.

Conditions were particularly brutal this year, with many of the fancied athletes dropping out. Long-time leader Eugeni Roselló Solé retired from the event at the first mountain refuge hut on the Cheviots after heading the runners for much of the race. He was suffering from extreme exhaustion after days pounding the national trail in very cold conditions.

The winner likened his victory to a tortoise and hare strategy. Race organisers said Sebastien ran a patient race, taking his time at the checkpoints and meticulously managing his kit.

Eugeni Roselló Solé led the race until dropping out. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

“A newcomer to the Pennine way, he learned as those more experienced dropped around him and put it all together with an excellent final push from [the final checkpoint] at Byrness.”

The women’s race is finely balanced, with Finnish runner Johanna Antila and Briton Anna Troup both at the Yearning Saddle mountain hut on the Cheviots at the time of writing.

James White is in second overall place, and is just a few kilometres from the finish, with James Hargreaves in third place.

Fiona Horsfield is the third-placed woman, arriving at the Byrness checkpoint at 10.31am on Thursday.

Raichon’s finish time was 3 days 23hrs 43mins 52secs.