On July 24, 2026, Germany's Katharina Hartmuth completed the 66-mile Bob Graham Round in 14 hours, 11 minutes, and 58 seconds, setting a new women's speed record. Hartmuth's time was 22 minutes faster than the previous record held by Beth Pascall. The route, known for its technical and steep terrain, requires runners to complete a loop of 42 peaks in the Lake District.
Hartmuth's attempt came just two days after she traveled from the U.S., and she faced challenges such as jet lag and minor stomach issues. Despite these obstacles, she managed to maintain a fast pace, particularly on the final leg where she felt the record was within reach. The weather conditions were near-perfect, aiding her performance in the notoriously rainy region. Read more trail coverage.
This achievement follows Hartmuth's victory at the 2026 Madeira Island Ultra Trail and a fourth-place finish at the Marathon du Mont Blanc. Her record adds to her impressive list of accomplishments, including a supported FKT on the Stubaier Höhenweg route in Austria. Hartmuth described the entire day as a highlight, emphasizing the unique experience of pushing her limits in such a challenging environment. Related: Merrell MTL SpeedArc Peak: Retro Style Meets Modern Performance.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from iRunFar. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.