A LYMM runner has braved blistering heat to battle in Britain’s most brutal summer race.

Kieran Walshe completed the 268-mile challenge along the Pennine Way in just 131 hours, finishing in joint seventh place.

The Montane Spine Race is widely regarded as one of the world’s toughest endurance races, comprising 268 miles from Derbyshire to Scotland including 13,500 metres of ascent. 

Runners carry most of their supplies with them and they will generally complete after only two to three hours of sleep per night. 

Three-quarters of runners who attempt this gruelling challenge don’t reach the finish line, but Kieran raced ahead to make it into the top ten.

Kieran, an experienced ultramarathon runner, said: “I’d always wanted to do the Spine Race – it’s one of the toughest races in Britain, and goes across some amazing countryside.  

"This year’s race was especially hard because of the heat.  
"The support from other runners and from the race organisers and their medical team was great.  

"On this kind of really long race, continuously over several days, you learn a lot about your own endurance, resilience, and sense of humour.”

Fellow running club members were able to follow Kieran’s progress via an online tracker and on Facebook Live when he was met at the finish line by his wife Catherine and his dog Pepper. 

He is now planning his next challenge.

For more information about Lymm Runners visit lymmrunners.org.uk.