Former Cork hurler breaks record in 512km race across 214 mountain peaks
Ultrarunner Paul Tierney has set a new record for the fastest time to summit all 214 of the Lake District’s Wainwright peaks.
The Corkman, who is now working in Cumbria as a running coach, sliced seven hours off the record, completing the 512km course - the equivalent of 12 marathons - in six days, six hours and two minutes.
He’s done it! @paulmissinglink has broken the record time for summiting all 214 Alfred Wainwright’s Lake Distirct fells in one go. #inov8 #GetAGrip #wainwrights214 pic.twitter.com/OfHmL2ThMH
— inov-8 (@inov_8) June 20, 2019
He battled through some difficult weather conditions to ascend a total of 36,000m in that time - the same as four summits of Everest.
Tierney also raised over £17,000 (€19,000) for mental-health charity Mind, in honour of his friend and fellow ultrarunner Chris Stirling, who died in April.
The 36-year-old was supported by his partner Sarah McCormack, also an international runner, and a team of athletes to help with pacing, navigation, and occasional sleeps.
He began his challenge at 8am last Friday, before reaching the finish around 2pm this afternoon.
Peak number 207 (Ard Crags) ✅ @paulmissinglink closing in on a new record time for summitting all 214 of Alfred Wainwright’s Lake District fells.
— inov-8 (@inov_8) June 20, 2019
He’s been on the go for 6 days & 2 hours!
👉 https://t.co/yQpTMh8PHK#inov8 #GetAGrip #wainwrights214 pic.twitter.com/dn1Ek3hWwq
The previous record-holder, Steve Birkinshaw, who also helped Tierney's record attempt, wrote a book called about his 2014 achievement, which took six days, 13 hours and one minute. The prior record of just over seven days had stood since 1987.
An insight into some of the tough conditions @paulmissinglink is battling in his 318-mile #wainwrights214 record attempt.
— inov-8 (@inov_8) June 16, 2019
Donate 👉 https://t.co/RsN3QE57y7
Story & tracker link 👉 https://t.co/yQpTMh8PHK#inov8 #GetAGrip #wainwrights214 🎥: Andy Jackson pic.twitter.com/oiteAgIaKj
In his previous sporting life, Tierney was an unused sub when Cork won the 2004 All-Ireland hurling title. His sole Championship appearance came against Kerry that year, by which time he had won three Cork SHC titles with Blackrock, before leaving hurling behind at the age of 23.
