Pavel Paloncý is a seasoned endurance runner. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

Athlete Pavel Paloncý has ended his attempt to complete a round of the Wainwright fells.

The Czech runner pulled out of the challenge on Tuesday because of injury, vowing to return for another attempt on the 214 peaks.

A winter round of the Wainwrights has only been achieved once, by Cumbrian runner James Gibson, who completed the route in December, taking 8 days 6hrs 43mins 49secs to run the 318-mile (512km) route distance. The route also involves 36,000m (118,110ft) of ascent.

Paloncý started his quest on Sunday, but had to abandon the challenge after summiting 50 Wainwrights. Writing on his social media page, he said: “No Wainwrights for me this time.

“I got through horrendous weather on the first night and was feeling well since that time. But my left Achilles’ said no. After two-hour sleep in Nether Wasdale I was unable to walk; probably inflammation. More sleep, ointment, but no success. I am safe off the fells, but my challenge is over this time.

“Thanks for your support, it’s been an amazing journey. This time it ended much earlier than expected, but I’ll be back.”

Sabrina Verjee set a new record for a summer round of the Wainwrights, the mountains described by Alfred Wainwright in his series of Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells, in June 2021, completing the route in 5 days 23hrs 49mins 12secs.