Ultra runner John Kelly is hours ahead of his schedule to set a new record time for the 260-mile Pennine Way.
The UK-based American runner is bidding to reclaim his record title from last July, just eight days before Damian Hall then set a new fastest time.
Damian’s time of two days, 13 hours and 35 minutes was three hours quicker.
John set off from Kirk Yetholm in Scotland on Saturday at 9am and he is running south to Edale in England.
The previous record time has been set by fell running legend Mike Hartley’ 31 years before.
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Record bid: North to south on Pennine Way
Last time, John ran the route south to north but this time he is travelling in the same direction as Damian for his record run,
Sabrina Verjee , another successful ultra runner, also ran north to south last year when she set the quickest female time and the their fastest time to date.
John needs to arrive at Edale by 10.30pm today to break the record although he is currently well ahead of schedule. As this was published he was almost three hours ahead of the record time as he passed through Charlestown.
John posted on Facebook before he set off: “I’ll be having a crack at reclaiming the record for the 260-mile Pennine Way from @ultra_damo’s [Daman Halls] incredible performance last year of 61h 35m.”
See Open Tracking to stay updated.
