In this episode of the Running 44@60 podcast we hear about two of the UK's most epic ultra running challenges – the Lakeland 100 and the Bob Graham Round.

Stuart Musson undertook the Bob Graham Round challenge in June 2023. You have 24 hours in which to complete the 42 peaks, 66 miles and 27,000 feet of ascent and you have to have someone witness you achieving every single peak so a massive logistical piece of pre-run planning to make sure everything is in place. Stuart completed the task in 21 hours 49 minutes.

The Lakeland 100 is without doubt one of the most iconic hundred mile races in the UK. Colin Bathe had never run in the mountains before he set off in this year’s Lakeland 100.  in the podcast Colin will talk about how he overcame about a third of the way in a feeling of wanting to give up, particularly after one of his poles broke. Colin set himself a goal of 34 hours and he came in in 33:53.

Stuart’s top tip for any would-be ultra runners is that the mental side of ultra running sometimes outweighs the physical side in terms of the effect it can have on your endeavours, so be prepared for those moments where you feel you just can’t go on, they will pass.

Colin’s top tips are to treat ultra running as an eating competition and to start slowly and then go slower.

I mention the Truro Half Marathon - to enter click here 

This is episode 128 of the Running 44@60 podcast. You can access and download the previous 127 episodes via your usual podcast app or on the Running 44@60 podcast page. 

Host Trevor Lee ran his own first ultra in 2021 - the 44 mile Classic Quarter - hence 44@60.  Trevor has written a book about his buildup and adventure – it is both a business and running book and is available on Amazon via this link: 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon. Each sale generates £5 for Childrens Hospice South West.

Trevor's big running goal currently is the Arc of Attrition 50 in January 2024. He completed his first 24 hour race on July 8th  Hope 24, and his next long race is the Bys Vyken Lighthouse Marathon at the end of October. https://www.bysvykenevents.com/lighthouse

Send us a text

The Running 44@60 podcast began as a learning / motivational tool for host Trevor Lee in his quest to run a first ever ultra - the Classic Quarter in 2021 - here's the story of Running 44@60

The first episode was broadcast in August 2019. The final episode - number 173 - went out on January 31st 2025.

Trevor wrote a book on the back of the Classic Quarter: 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon - all proceeds go to the Children's Hospice South West