Kathy Sutton's Bob Graham Round
Over 5-6 June 2026 Kathy Sutton completed the famous Bob Graham round of 42 summits in the Lake District. Beginning at 6pm on Friday evening, and racking up a fast and confident first leg to Threlkeld (supported by Jordan van Flute, Paul Swindles and his dog Joss), Kathy settled into the 23:27 schedule proper on leg 2 right on pace for a strong run over the Dodds toward Helvellyn (supported by Sarah Hall and Stephen Wilkes).
However, challenging conditions on leg 3 due to strong wind - enough to blow her over, and a rather cold and wet night over the highest and rockiest of the Lakeland tops, put a large dent in her schedule (supported by Peter Fishwick and Sam Carr). It was obvious for those waiting at Wasdale that it had been a tough night; several other parties called it quits on that leg and abandoned to Langdale or Wasdale by shorter routes. Undeterred, Kathy refuelled and headed out of Wasdale up the fearsome climb of Yewbarrow, while thankfully the wind began to abate (supported by Chris Usher and Peter Fishwick). Wet rock and cold clag made for difficult going on leg 4 too. By the time Honister was in sight, supporters from legs 4 and 5 had combined to escort Kathy down to the old slate mining area knowing that a 24 hr round was now firmly out of reach.
Still in good spirits and very determined to finish the whole round, Kathy continued promptly on to leg 5 without the weight of a ticking clock on her shoulders (supported by Bill Beckett, David Ralphs, Jim Maxfield, Ollie Hulbert, Stephen Wilkes, Emma Whittingham, and later joined by Emily Sutton). Good progress was made over the remaining three hills and there was still plenty light left in the day and energy left in legs to enjoy a steady run back from Newlands with the company of her daughter, friends, and supporters, on the final run in to Keswick. Overall completion - 28hr 18min.
Fabulous road support was provided throughout by Emily Sutton, Alan Sutton and Ella Lloyd.
What was special about Kathy's achievement was witnessing the quiet determination to finish the whole round - not stopping until the challenge was complete, despite the extra hours needed at the end of a long and challenging day. Pulling out was never an option. Well done Kathy!
Kathy is no stranger to long challenges, having walked many long distance paths, and together with David Ralphs being the first mixed pair to complete the Lakes, Meres and Waters in 2022. She has completed Lakeland 100 twice and Fellsman several times, and regularly races with Newburgh Nomads.