Description
Cumbria-based James Gibson has had an incredible past few years picking off a host of big ticket endurance running records. In a 10 week period from December 2022 he became the first person to complete all three UK Big Rounds in one winter season, solo and unsupported (Bob Graham Round, Paddy Buckley Round and Charlie Ramsay Round). Completing this 'Winter Trilogy' took 6 attempts and James talks about the experience he gained from the 'failed' rounds early in the winter.
While most people would be content to sit on the couch for a bit after that, he was back with the second fastest ever run of the 100mile Lakes, Meres and Waters round just 5 weeks later in April 2023. The same month he broke the record for the Etive Round with friend Jack Oliver, taking the record for the rough 16 Munro circuit down to 19h 26m.
James works as a guide on Skye for much of the year, and his familiarity with the Cuillin lead him to completing two outstanding runs - first, the Trans Cuillin Round which was first attempted by Rob Woodall in 2001. This takes in 75km and 9000m of ascent over 70 summits - James became the first completer in May 2023. A mere 16 days later he took advantage of a weather window to bosh out the 4th ever Cuillin Round, a 60 peak loop for which he improved the record to 19hrs39mins in very hot conditions.
Just days after our conversation James won the FRA Long Distance Award in a stacked field of worthy nominees.
James can be found at www.jamesgibsoncoaching.co.uk
Note: when discussing Winter Munro Rounds we forgot to mention Steve Perry's 2005-06 121 day continuous round (www.ukhillwalking.com/articles/features/interview_steve_perrys_winter_munro_round-4400)
I took the audio recorder along on the OMM Elite course in Glen Artney over the weekend of 26&27th October 2024.
I was paired with Phil Rutter of Kendal who has won the Elite race in 2022 and 2023.
The OMM is a 2 day mountain marathon in which teams of two navigate between checkpoints to a...
Published 10/29/24
In this episode I sit down with Alice Tirbooman to talk about her journey from aerial circus and climbing in Bristol, to solo Scottish long distance running.
We share tales of the remote and unsung Mullardoch Round, a 50km circuit of 12 Munros north of Glen Affric, which Alice ran solo and...
Published 10/10/24