HRR men’s captain Matt Biggin successfully completed one of the UK’s most established ultra-distance challenges this weekend, finishing the 62nd Fellsman in a time of 22 hours and 20 minutes.
The Fellsman is a stern test of navigation, strength, endurance and resilience across the unforgiving terrain of the Yorkshire Dales. Unlike conventional races, there is no marked route; instead, competitors must navigate between checkpoints, finding their own way across steep, featureless hillsides while trying to avoid plunging into deep bogs.
This year’s edition proved especially punishing, with competitors battling a dramatic swing in conditions. After an unseasonably warm afternoon, runners were confronted with freezing fog after nightfall. The dramatic temperature drop meant Biggin had to wear almost every item carried in his backpack through the small hours simply to stay warm.
Despite the extreme conditions, he finished in 22 hours and 20 minutes – a time he was genuinely delighted with, crossing the line still cheerful having enjoyed the challenge from start to finish. Reflecting on the event, he described it as a brilliantly organised race through the Yorkshire Dales and confirmed he would definitely be going back.
