The runner fell into Pillar Cove. Photo: Bob Smith Photography

A runner has died after falling from a Lake District mountain while attempting the Bob Graham Round.

The man suffered fatal injuries when he fell from the ridge between Pillar and Kirk Fell late on Tuesday.

Police were contacted by the runner’s friend about 11pm to say he had slipped and fallen into Pillar Cove while they were attempting the challenge. Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team was alerted about 11.15pm.

A team spokesperson said: “The team was called out and HM Coastguard Rescue 199 [from Prestwick] was tasked to support, given the potential seriousness and remote location of the incident.

“As the team approached the base of Pillar in Ennerdale valley, it became apparent that the cloud base was too low for the helicopter to assist and team members began to work their way up to the summit of the mountain on foot.

“Due to the uncertain casualty location and the conditions, neighbouring teams were alerted to plan for a possible protracted search. However at around 1.30am, tragically, the body of the runner was located in Great Doup (Pillar Cove), to the east of the mountain summit.”

Rescuers stretchered the runner's body from the fell. Photo: Cockermouth MRT

The spokesperson said six members of Wasdale MRT joined their Cockermouth colleagues for a long and difficult stretcher carry of the runner’s body from the fell, with rescuers reaching the valley bottom about 6.30am.

The spokesperson added: “All the thoughts of the team are with the casualty’s companion, family and friends. Our thanks go to Coastguard Rescue 199 and Wasdale MRT for their support and assistance.”

The Bob Graham Round is a fellrunning challenge traversing 42 Lakeland fells, with the objective of completing the 106km (66-mile) route in 24 hours or less. Pillar is the 34th summit in the traditional schedule of mountains visited on the round.