Teesside gran in 70s who ran Great North Run three times speeding into mega challenge

Kathrine Walton, 70, will tackle a 21km Lake District trail with her sister after discovering a love of running later in life.

Teesside gran in 70s who ran Great North Run three times speeding into mega challenge

(Image: Get the Affect)

A Teesside grandma who found a passion for running later in life is now preparing for the biggest challenge of her life, just weeks away.

Kathrine Walton, 70, from Middlesbrough, took up running 14 years ago to improve her fitness and wellbeing while working in a school office.

Since starting with a beginner’s 5K course in her 50s, she has now completed the Great North Run three times.

The grandmother is determined to keep pushing herself even further.

On Sunday, September 27, she will take on the 21km 2 Valleys Trail at the Altra 13 Valleys Ultra in the Lake District, alongside her older sister, Barbara, who will tackle the trail with her.

Katherine said the event is an opportunity to reflect on how much running has changed her life, improved her physical and mental health and given her a sense of achievement.

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The Altra 13 Valleys Ultra takes place from September 25 to 27 and includes a range of routes through the Lake District National Park.

The 21km 2 Valleys Trail is one of the more accessible routes and welcomes both runners and walkers.

Katherine's story is a reminder that it is never too late to start a new hobby or take on a fresh challenge.

With just six weeks to go, places are still available on the 2 Valleys Trail, and there is still time for runners and walkers inspired by Kathrine and Barbara to take on their own challenge this September.