Belford runner sets new record in 100-mile race from Bamburgh to Edinburgh
An ultra-marathon runner from North Northumberland showed a clean pair of heels to the opposition with a record time in a 100-mile cross border race.
Belford man, Graham Malthouse set off on the Rat Race 100 – starting from Bamburgh and winding through Northumberland and the borders to finish in Edinburgh.
Participants are given 48-hours to complete the race – but Graham was first to cross the finish line in just under 17-hours.
He said: "I pretty much led from start to finish.
"From the winding road in Bamburgh and the car park, I didn't see anybody else on route.
"I knew I'd be near the front but you never know who you're competing against and the quality of the field really so it was a nice surprise.”
Despite going into the event with an injury, Graham managed break the course record by more than 23 minutes with a sprint finish.
He added: "I feel immensely proud. You go through so many emotions when you do these long-distance events.
“I had to really, really grind it out and stick with it. I am just really happy that I persisted.”
Graham credited the support of his family for getting him through, including his wife Rachel – who is no stranger herself to an endurance challenge, having tackled some of the toughest ultra-running events in the country.
Graham added: "In my head I'd quit that event four times before I got to the finish.
"But you get to a checkpoint and you see somebody, my mum and dad and Rachel, and that gives you an extra little boost to then go to the next stage."