Javed Bhatti on the Pennine Way
A runner who completed the gruelling race along the length of the Pennine Way has succeeded in his attempt to run the whole route again in the opposite direction.
Javed Bhatti arrived in Edale this evening, completing what is believed to be the first Pennine Way double in winter conditions.
The 52-year-old was one of only 24 ultrarunners to complete the Montane Spine Race at Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders last weekend, an event dubbed the most brutal race in the country. He promptly set about running the route southwards, a total distance of 862km (536 miles).
Javed Bhatti arrives at Edale at the end of his double Pennine Way run. Photo: John Bamber
His remarkable feat has also raised thousands of pounds for mountain rescue. He originally aimed to boost the coffers of the umbrella body for England and Wales’s volunteer teams by £500 but has easily topped his target. A late surge brought in an extra £2,000 and the total at present stands at more than £3,500.
The Lichfield-based ultrarunner, who celebrated his birthday on the national trail on Saturday, arrived at the southern end of the Pennine Way in Edale shortly after 6.30pm on Sunday, just over 15 days after leaving the Peak District village on his northern leg. He was greeted at the Nag’s Head by, among others, members of the Edale Mountain Rescue Team.
Javed Bhatti celebrates with mountain rescue team members after finishing at Edale. Photo: John Bamber
Along the route, he told grough: “I was always planning to do a double and I was hoping to do the second leg a little faster than the first, but the weather unfortunately on the mountains was against me with the snow, the ice and the wind direction straight into the face.
“I had to use snow shoes across the Cheviots. And Cross Fell was pretty bad, straight into the wind, and Tan Hill too.”
Donations can be made via Javed Bhatti’s justgiving page.
glenn george
24 January 2016Very well done Javed. Utmost respect!...
Kit list?
glenn
24 January 2016Good read. Thanks
Lynne
24 January 2016There were also many other mountain rescue teams out on the hill accompanying him along the Pennine Way, not only there to great Javed in Edale. Buxton came into Torside with him and then along with Glossop MRT joined him across Bleaklow and on to Kinder and down into Edale. Javed was amazed at the turn out on the hill from those who ran alongside him, keeping him company.
Darren Hunt
24 January 2016A great effort by Javed.
There were a large number of teams involved. Also supported by ultra runners.
Members from Oldham, Glossop, Holm Valley walked / run the last day with him.
Calder valley met him yesterday. Swaledale, Tesside and Weardale, Bolton , Borders SRT have also helped ( I may have missed a couple of teams).
Buxton, Oldham, Glossop, Edale welcomed him into Edale and his friends arranged s champagne reception.
During the day both Edale and Buxton attended to call outs.
Roger
24 January 2016Congratulations Javed. I thought my daughter Zoe T. had done brilliantly going one way, but doing the return trip in such a good time is amazing. And it's great to hear how much you've raised for such a good cause.
Jean Taylor
24 January 2016Amazing....... well done Javid, time for a well earned rest now
Angela
25 January 2016Well done Javed. You are officially completely insane.
Happy Birthday! Angela xx
Rob Young
25 January 2016IRON MAN - unbelievable!
Zoe Thornburgh
25 January 2016Javed - you know I think you're bonkers. You're also amazing - well done xx
Dave
25 January 2016Brilliant effort.....congratulations
Mike Reed
25 January 2016Amazing effort Javed, what a run and route, mid winter on the Pennines, so well done! :>
Nomad38
25 January 2016Triple wow, and a nice big smile at the end, big respect!
Steffi
25 January 2016Fantastic, inspirational, jaw dropping. What an achievement and for a great cause. Thankfully have never needed their help,but have been close a few times.
stuart
25 January 2016fantastic achievement! well done Javid
JohnO
26 January 2016Amazing performance by your feet Javed. You did well too!