Otley AC runner Sarah Fuller’s attempt at the Lakeland 100 Mile Challenge ended in pain at the 68 mile barrier with a calf injury and sore feet.

She wasn’t alone though; 274 runners started at Coniston and only 124 finished.

The Lakeland 100, which is actually 105 miles and 22,000 feet of ascent, has been her focus for the best part of a year slogging around the hills in the middle of winter in the dark.

Sarah had planned her year’s racing around the event using Dark Mountains, The Fellsman and the 10 Peaks ultras as stepping stones and long training miles.

She said: “The race gets going straight away, no easy stage to warm up; rather it throws the course in your face with a big long climb up the Walner Car road and straight down again to Duddon Valley at seven miles.”

However by Howtown Sarah was suffering with a painful calf muscle and her feet were taped up and she knew her race was over.

She added: “I failed what I set out to do but there were successes too.

“I enjoyed every minute of the training and success at the Fellsman and the 10 Peaks was brilliant.

“The Friday night was one the most beautiful and enjoyable nights on the fells I’ve ever had.

“I did 68 miles, further than I’ve ever been before and I didn’t get timed out. I got my nutrition right and still felt relatively good in myself and I met some of the most supportive and friendly people I’ve ever met and shared an amazing journey with them.”