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Alex Staniforth gearing up for his 3 Peaks Challenge Run

Alex runs through the pain barrier to 3 Peaks success

Running adventurer Alex Staniforth was up to the challenge of the 3 Peaks in 9 days

It was mind over body for Alex Staniforth as the Kendal-based athlete completed the National 3 Peaks Run in 9 days 12 hours and 51 minutes. Whilst torrid weather, badly swollen feet and exhaustion caused him to miss the record by an hour, he has raised more than £9,000 for charity Mind Over Mountains.

Preparation was key. Alex spent 9 months planning for this major event that would involve running up Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon and the distance between them - 450 miles - in 9 days.  

The adventure began at 4am on Friday 21 August. Non-stop rain – possibly a taste of what was to come when Storm Francis blew in to the UK – as Alex ran 50.8 miles and 10,200ft up Ben Nevis. There were tough climbs around Loch Lomond and midges on Day 2 then across the border into England by Day 4 and sore feet due to flat roads. At this stage Alex called on his humour to keep him going.

Friends came out to support and physio got him back on the road in time to reach the summit of Scafell Pike and back down to run the last 8 miles in the dark and rain, fortified with Kendal Mint Cake. The weather resulted in Alex being a day behind schedule but he carried on to cheers through his home town of Kendal then towards Lancaster before finishing in Garstang.     

The penultimate day was a slog to Warrington where a couple of runners paced and supported him, the preceding days having taken their toll. A push onto Wales and the final leg that would see Alex reach the top of Snowdon then with safety at the forefront, make his way carefully back down the mountain and a tired but triumphant finish in Llanberis. 

This towering achievement has in Alex’s own words: “Shown me what is possible.”

Image courtesy: Alex Staniforth

 

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