A KIRKBY Stephen man beat all other UK mountain rescue members competing in the 160-mile Challenger North Montane Winter Spine race along the Pennine Way. 

The race starts at Hardraw and ends at Kirk Yetholm. Runners have a time limit of 108 hours to get to the finish line in the Scottish Borders. Competitors must navigate the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian's Wall and the Cheviots. 

The Westmorland Gazette: Paul approaching Tarn Hill while he was doing the racePaul approaching Tarn Hill while he was doing the race (Image: Lucie Barnes)

The race has a category for mountain rescue team members, offering discounted entry fees for those who volunteer their time for a team. Paul Nelson, from Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue team, beat members from across the UK crossing the finish line in 59 hours 14 minutes. The 56-year-old came sixth overall in the race. 

The race started in North Yorkshire at 8am on January 15. Competitors have a time limit of 108 hours, meaning that they must be done by 8pm on January 19. Paul was already done by the evening of Wednesday, January 17. 

The Westmorland Gazette: Paul came up with a plan at the start of the race, but admitted that such a long challenge has 'many variables' Paul came up with a plan at the start of the race, but admitted that such a long challenge has 'many variables' (Image: Lucie Barnes)

"There are quite a few challenges," he said. "It depends on your experience of being out for a very long time and looking after your body. Because it's a race you have a plan when you set off - there are so many variables that can change your plan. 

"You can't get carried away when people race past you."

The Westmorland Gazette: Paul at the end of the racePaul at the end of the race (Image: Lucie Barnes)

He said that even though he is a mountain rescue member with experience in challenging natural environments, he was if anything 'more cautious' than the other competitors in the race. 

When they were doing checks before the start he noticed he had more kit on him than anyone else. 

"You never know what's going to happen, you can never say you're 100 per cent safe," Paul said.

He said it was 'really strange' when he crossed the finish line. He walked many sections rather than running as fast as he could to make sure that he finished.

"I had a plan in my head," he said. "I wanted to get from A to B. I've never walked so much in my life. I stuck to the plan and it paid off quite well."

Another Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team member Paul Davidson started the South version of the race. Unfortunately, he suffered a fractured shoulder after a fall 55 miles into the race a day after he started, which forced him to retire. 

The mountain rescue team said that it was 'very proud' to have Paul Nelson and Paul Davidson as members.