TWO trail runners have completed the Teesdale Way in a little over 24 hours to set what may be a new record.
It took Owain Davies, from Barnard Castle, and Tom Watson, who is formerly from Teesdale, one day, two hours and 15 minutes to complete the 100-mile route.
Their incredible feat is now listed on the internationally renowned website fastest knowntime.com, which records times for thousands of trails across the globe.
Mr Davies said: “Tom came up with the idea because he noticed The Teesdale Way wasn’t on it.
“He said, ‘how about trying this’.
“We are in no way claiming it is the fastest time, but at least the route is now recorded.
“It is a pretty wonderful route, especially the dramatic changes from the top of High Cup Nick, which must be the most beautiful place in the world, to end up on Black Path in the industrial wasteland of Teesside.”
The athletes used head torches to find their way along the footpath during the dead of night.
Mr Davies said: “It is hard to describe – you are in a strange mental zone. It is just one foot ahead of the other and plodding on.”
The pair made their first attempt in September last year but inclement weather stopped them more than half way through.
The 39-year-old said: “It had been raining for ten days before.
“We made it to Yarm, but it was like the Somme – completely boggy.”
The pair are no strangers to ultra-marathon runs and have completed a variety of courses around the country and abroad.
Next on their agenda is the Hardmoors 110 Ultramarathon, which will take them along the dramatic Cleveland Way National Trail later this month.
However, it is the scenery around the dale that most attracts them.
Mr Davies said: “It is our home river and we are really lucky here in Barney – there are amazing loops and trails.”
To view the runners’ incredible accomplishment visit fastestknowntime.com and search for Teesdale Way under the routes menu.
