A runner who completed her first 10K aged just 10 is set to take on one of the UK’s toughest endurance events.
Rachel Ross Russell, 56, from the North Yorkshire Moors, will tackle the Altra 13 Valleys Ultra in the Lake District on Sunday, September 27.
She will be running alongside her son, Sam, making the challenge a special family affair.
Ms Ross Russell has enjoyed a lifelong passion for running, competing for the Army and taking part in the London Marathon.
She only discovered ultra-distance running after suffering a serious knee injury at 40.
But Rachel says one of her greatest achievements has been learning to run simply for the love of it, rather than chasing results.
Since her injury, she has completed multiple 50km, 50-mile and 100km races, as well as two 100-mile events.
The Altra 13 Valleys Ultra is one of the UK’s fastest-growing ultra-running events, attracting competitors from across the country to the Lake District National Park.
Distances range from 21km to 180km, with longer routes already sold out for 2026.
Places are still available on the 21km 2 Valleys Trail.
Visit www.13valleysultra.com/enter or register for the reminder service to be among the first to hear when 2027 entries open.