A new film telling the story of ultra-runner Paul Tierney’s incredible 214-peak Wainwrights record got its international online premiere this week. Now available to watch again on inov-8’s YouTube channel. A visually stunning production showcasing The Lake District and its true splendour. Free Solo on two legs.
The inov-8 ambassador completed the 328-mile challenge in June 2019, summiting all 214 of Alfred Wainwright’s Lake District peaks in a new record time of 6 days, 6 hours and 5 minutes.
Paul ascended 36,000m (the equivalent of four times up Mount Everest), battled sleep deprivation and conquered all manner of weather conditions on his way to beating Steve Birkinshaw’s previous record by almost 7 hours.
The film, by Dave MacFarlane (dmtwo.media), tells the story of Paul’s epic running adventure over England’s highest peaks – a story that gripped not only running communities but also the wider sporting world.
The online premiere of Paul Tierney – Running The Wainwrights was screened on inov-8’s YouTube channel on Monday February 24th (7pm UK time). For full details visit www.inov-8.com/paul-tierney-running-wainwrights
Paul said: “Eight months on from the Wainwrights and I’m still recovering. I’m back to running again and occasionally racing but I’m taking my time.
“Dave has done a superb job with the film. It highlights what a huge team effort it took to beat Steve’s record and also shows off our beautiful Lake District in all its glory.”
Paul followed a similar route to Steve, who spent months mapping out what he believed to be the quickest, continuous on-foot route over the 214 peaks that featured in Alfred Wainwright’s iconic seven-volume pictorial guide to the Lakeland fells.
The Irish-born running coach and ex-policeman slept, albeit briefly, in a van at road crossings, with groups of runners taking it in turns to pace and navigate him over different sections of the route.
The Windermere-based 36-year-old, who used inov-8 kit – including new graphene-grip shoes – during the attempt, finished the challenge wearing the Ambleside Athletics Club vest of his friend and team-mate Chris Stirling, who passed away in 2019. Paul ran in memory of Chris and has so far raised £35,000 for the charity MIND UK via this page.
