Ultra runner Sabrina Verjee has ended her continuous round of the Wainwrights four days into a record bid. Snow, lower than expected temperatures, strong winds and asthma saw her take the difficult decision to halt the continuous round early.
After setting off early last Friday, the veterinary surgeon from Cumbria made excellent progress and was well ahead of schedule during her first three days of running.
On day four, brutal weather conditions aggravated Sabrina’s asthma, making it increasingly difficult for her to breathe comfortably during ascents. Although she was still ahead of schedule, this forced her to stop for a substantial rest early this morning.
At that point, Sabrina took stock of the situation. Her asthma was not settling, the weather forecast remained unfavourable and ground conditions were poor, with snow from 400m.
Sabrina decided that the sensible decision was to end the attempt to finish the 525km round of the 214 Lakes fells with an ascent of 36,000m. She had hoped to beat the record of six days and six hours.
‘We have unfinished business’
Sabrina said: “This is not the conclusion that I had anticipated and of course I am hugely disappointed to have had to stop. However, for a good part of the run, it was a great experience with wonderful company.
“I said at the start that this was a team effort and I couldn’t have asked for better team mates on my journey around the Wainwrights. I am so grateful for their support and humbled by it.
“I am also grateful to everyone who has been following our progress and for the many lovely messages that I have received throughout.
“This story isn’t over. I love running and I love exploring the Wainwrights. We have unfinished business.”
Thanks to support from La Sportiva, Berghaus and Right Lines Communications, Sabrina’s run was filmed and photographed by Steve Ashworth and Summit Fever Media, with short episodes of “A Run Around the Wainwrights by Sabrina Verjee and Friends” being released each day. A final episode will be released tomorrow and shared on social media.