Posts by Mark Burley

Tranter’s Round

Mark Burley
In 1964, Philip Tranter set the 24-hour Munro record at 19 Munros – linking the Mamores, the Grey Corries, the Aonachs, Carn Mor Dearg and Ben Nevis. In some senses “Tranter’s Round” can be thought to have been superseded by Ramsay’s Round, the goal of which is to complete 24…

23 Before Tea

Mark Burley
’23 Before Tea’ is a fell running challenge with Elterwater Hostel at its centre. The task is described as, ‘…a verified circuit of any 23 Wainwright summits, from the hostel sign at the gate and back, so you’re free to chart your own route.’   Why 23? This is described…

Mark Burley – Denis Rankin Round Report

Mark Burley
Mark Burley successfully completed the Denis Rankin Round in Northern Ireland (90km, 6,500m, 39 peaks) on 29th July 2023 within the allowed 24hrs. His event report is here.     2023 Denis Rankin Report – Mark Burley CLICK HERE to see reports from all the ‘big’ rounds.  

Eskdale Elevation 2023

Mark Burley
EL-E-VA-TION. Who-ooo, whoo-uh-uh. For anyone struggling for pronunciation, your man Bono spells it out in tedious fashion on 2002’s contender for worst song of the year. Thankfully I’ve only come to think of this now, and so didn’t have it going up and down my brain all day. I’d had…

The Great Gift Peaks Round

Mark Burley
After the end of World War One, 14 peaks were gifted to the Lake District National Park as a memorial for the lives lost. In 2021, a round was established to link those 14 peaks: the Great Gifts Peaks Round. The exact route is up to the attempter and the…

Consistency is key for Harriers at Lee Mill Relays

Mark Burley
Combined Macclesfield Harriers & Matlock Athletic team achieve outstanding 4th place Based in Rossendale, just under an hour’s drive North from Macclesfield, this relay is for teams of four with all team members running the same (c. 10.4 km, 400m ascent) flagged course. Despite its longevity and popularity (this year…

The Isle of Jura Fell Race

Mark Burley
The Isle of Jura Fell Race is described by its website as ‘…a classic on many a fell runner’s wish list; a true test of hillcraft, endurance and fell running technique. It is one of the toughest challenges in British hill racing at this distance, and one of the best…

Hodgson Brothers Mountain Relay

Mark Burley
The Hodgson Brothers Mountain Relay (https://hbmr.org.uk/) is the oldest fell running relay in the country. It’s set in the heart of the Lake District, and covers approximately 36.2km and 2,800m of ascent over the four legs. Each of the eight runners (split into four pairs) needs sufficient navigation and mountain…