Calder Valley Fell Runners’ Roberts smashes record in Paddy Buckley Round

Math Roberts on the Paddy Buckley Round.

Also known as the Welsh Classical Round, the route is a circuit of just over 100km long taking in some 47 summits and 28,000 feet of climb.

The Round has the reputation of being somewhat tougher to complete than its English Lake District equivalent, the Bob Graham Round.

Math Roberts has run himself into the record books, to become the new Paddy Buckley record holder in a time of 16 hours and 37 minutes.

An incredible achievement, probably made even sweeter being on home soil.

This was a record previously held by international fell runner, Damien Hall in July 2019, who ran 17.31.

Karl Gray, another Calder Valley legend helped support Math, on a couple of legs said: “He set off on a 17.16 schedule at 4am. Perfect conditions throughout. Clear and cool temp.

“He was up on schedule by 18 minutes after leg 2 and 33 minutes up after leg 3.

Math Roberts, the new Paddy Buckley record holder, with members of his support team Andrew Schofield from Borrowdale FR and Gavin Roberts from Eryri Harriers.

“He made more time up on leg 4 but understandably slowed a bit on the last leg! All his support were amazing and they never put a foot wrong!”

It’s no wonder Calder Valley’s juniors continue to go from strength to strength with such local stars to inspire them.Dads and lads have enjoyed running safely once local restrictions eased.

Ben Cliff, a CVFR stalwart said: “Once lockdown lifted to run together, Ted Parker, Joe Stone and Harry Cliff have been running together with their dad’s weekly where possible.

“Many runs were new routes to the lads as we explored new areas for the juniors such as High Brown Knoll and Lumb falls, Jumble Hole and Norland Moor.

From left - Joe Stone, Alastair Stone, Lance Parker, Ted Parker and Harry Cliff

“The runs were great as the lads got out and chatted about playing Fortnite whilst all the dads shared war stories about homeschooling. Most runs included a rope swing where possible!”

Not to be outdone, Calder’s younger junior girls also got in on the action with Georgie Illstone, Ishbel Symington and Lottie Cliffe completing some epic river runs, including up Colden Clough.

Thanks to Thirza Hyde, Ben Cliffe and Karl Gray for photos, quotes and information.