A forty-five year old fell runner from Cumbria has broken a long standing record for tackling all 214 Wainwrights in the Lake District, and raising over £12,000 for charity in the process.

Steve Birkinshaw broke the record set in 1987 by Joss Naylor, who had completed the epic trek in seven days, one hour and twenty-five minute. Mr Birkinshaw completed the 320 miles in six days and thirteen hours, having ascended the grand total of 118,000ft.

The money raised will go to two Multiple Sclerosis charities, The Samson Centre which is a self-help group for people affected by the disease and the National MS Society. The charities were chosen as his sister is a sufferer.

The record breaking runner has said that the whole thing has been a little overwhelming and to have broken the record was an amazing feeling. He went on to say that there had been some really tough times during the run, but that he was spurred on every time he reached a Wainwright summit and met someone who had made the effort to come out and support him.

The journey had begun in Keswick on 14th June and the finish line was crossed on Friday just before 10.00pm. This meant he had run the equivalent of two marathons each day and he wore a GPS tracker which recorded every step of his journey, and after his exploits he could well need a new pair of running shoes.

The complete list of the 214 “Wainwrights” were first described back in a series of books published over a period of eleven years, from 1955-66, and is a life’s dream for most walkers. After completing this is less than a week I wonder what Mr Birkinshaw’s next challenge will be.