Rescuers stretcher the injured runner from the fell. Photo: Keswick MRT

An endurance runner was rescued from a Lake District fell after breaking his ankle.

The athlete was one of a group tackling the Bob Graham Round on Saturday when the incident happened on Blencathra.

The runners had chosen not to use the usual descent via Hall’s Fell, instead opting to leave the summit via Doddick Fell, which they viewed as a safer option in the bad weather conditions.

While descending the fell, one of the group slipped and broke his right ankle.

Keswick Mountain Rescue Team was alerted about 7.20am.

A team spokesperson said: “Some team members had to forego their usual Park Run for a jog up Blencathra instead.

“The team approached from Doddick Farm and initially battled through dripping-wet head-height bracken before emerging from the jungle to continue up the fell path. The runners were in good shape despite the weather, being equipped with a bivvy bag – fell runners take note.

“A group shelter was put over the casualty to offer more protection before the ankle was reduced (re-aligned) without much in the way of pain relief – tough guy.”

Members of the Penrith team also joined the tricky operation to carry and sled the injured runner by stretcher down the steep descent of Doddick Fell.

The spokesperson said: “The team returned to base for a well earned cuppa and bacon butty.”

The incident involved 18 Keswick MRT volunteers and nine from the Penrith team, and lasted almost 3¼ hours.