GARGRAVE'S Tony Wimbush, 72, has this month notched up his third completion of the legendary Transalpine Run.

Now in its 17th year it is one of the most spectacular mountain challenges in the world and involved 180 miles with a staggering 55,000 feet of climbing over eight days.

Starting in Germany it crossed the Austrian Alps to finish in the South Tyrol region of Italy. Tony was the oldest finisher from a total of 600 runners representing 27 countries. He entered the run for the third time to celebrate 50 years of long-distance running and walking since initially completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks and the Pennine Way back in 1972.

As part of his 50th celebrations he has also completed his 40th consecutive Haworth Hobble Ultra Marathon (32miles and 4400’ of climbing) and 10th Fellsman Hike (61 miles and 11000’ of climbing).

He said: “It’s been an incredible privilege to have been doing this sort of stuff for 50 years. Obviously, my running days are numbered now but l hope I still have one or two more big runs in me.” Tony maintains a database of British peak-bagging challenges in conjunction with the Fell Runners Association. It includes several in the Yorkshire region - visit: www.gofar.org.uk