Andy Berry has set a new Lake District 24-Hour Fell Record. The plumber from County Durham reached 78 summits in 23 hours and 23 minutes, which is 22 minutes faster than previous record holder Kim Collison. Kim set his record in 2020.
Andy at the finish. 
Credit: Damian Hall/inov-8
What is the Lakes 24-hour running challenge?
The Lakes 24-hour criteria is detailed by the Bob Graham 24 Hour Club. The aim, according to Dr A W Wakefield in 1904, is “to ascend the greatest number of peaks over 2000ft and return to the starting point within 24 hours”.
The record had been unsuccessfully attempted seven times since 1997, including two attempts by Steve Birkinshaw.
Other previous record holders include Joss Naylor (72 peaks), Mark McDermott (76 peaks) and Mark Hartell (77 peaks). Nicky Spinks is the women’s record holder with 64 peaks in 23 hours and 15 minutes.
Andy’s record 24-hour Lakes run
Andy, an inov-8 athlete and Keswick AC member, had been aiming for 79 peaks within the 24-hour limit but he decided during the run to miss out the extra planned peak of Haycock so he could make it back to the finish.
His route, which started and finished at the top of Newlands Pass, totalled 151km and around 12190m of ascent.
The 78 peaks included England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike at 978m.
Andy was supported by experienced pacers on the fells and his partner, Jess, at road crossing points. His pacers included the former record holder Kim, who is also his coach.
Andy set the new record on Saturday before returning to work on Monday morning.
He said: “I can’t believe it all came together on the day and I managed to build on the incredible feats of those who have gone before.
“This record has been a huge dream of mine and everything I’ve done over the past 18 months built up to this attempt. I feel proud to now see my name alongside some of the greatest long-distance fell runners in history.
“I’m indebted to everyone who came out to help me.”
Communications manager for inov-8 Lee Procter, who is also a fell runner, said: “The Lake District 24-Hour Fell Record is insanely tough. Andy put it all on the line and reaped the rewards.”