Alex Staniforth has made history – becoming the first person ever to summit all 446 mountains in England and Wales in one self-powered push.
The INOV8 ambassador ran up every mountain and cycled between them in just 45 days, setting an incredible new landmark record.
Starting in Dartmoor and finishing in the Lake District, Alex covered 3,000km in distance and ascended more than 100,000m – about 11 times the height of Mount Everest.
The 30-year-old slept in a motorhome – driven by his partner and friends – at the end of each day and celebrated his birthday in the hills.
He battled brutal weather, muscle injuries and sheer exhaustion while topping every summit over 610 metres high in both England and Wales.
His final mountain was Helvellyn, where family and friends gathered on the top to cheer his final steps.
Through the 446 Challenge Alex has so far raised £30,000 for Mind over Mountains, a charity which restores mental health through nature.
"DREAM COME TRUE"
Alex, who is based in the Lake District, said: “It's a dream come true. We discovered what was possible, but more importantly the 446 Challenge brought people together and raised a big chunk of money to help those suffering with mental health.
“I wanted to mark my 30th year by opening conversations around mental health, when too many young people don't reach that milestone due to suicide. Five young lives every single day. We all need to ask for help sometimes, and without the support of so many people I would not have started or finished this challenge either.”
Alex is no stranger to super-endurance challenges. After surviving two major disasters on Mount Everest in two consecutive years as a teenager, he has focused on living life to the full, while also overcoming the challenges of epilepsy, bullying, mental ill health and a lifelong stammer.
To donate to Alex’s fundraising efforts head to his JustGiving page.
ALEX'S CHALLENGE KIT PICKS
Throughout the 45 days, Alex switched between his favourite TRAILFLY MAX shoes with the extra cushioning for longer distances and, when he needed more grip over softer ground, the TRAILTALON.
Among his trusted pieces of clothing were the new WINDSHELL PRO jacket and AIRLITE PRO SHORTS.
