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Helene Whitaker

Elite Ultra Distance Runner

The Dragon’s Back race is a formidable prospect for even the most talented runners, and Helene Whitaker should know what to expect as she won the original Dragon’s Back race in 1992.

Helene was at the peak of her running career when, along with partner Martin stone, she took the crown after beating some of the world’s elite runners, and a rumoured team from the legendary SAS , both physically and tactically.

As well as the Dragon’s Back Helene has one of the most impressive lists of running achievements imaginable:

• 1987: Set a world record running from Everest Basecamp to Kathmandu. Along with Alison Wright she covered 167 miles with 32,000ft of ascent and 46,000ft of descent in just 3 days and 10 hours.

• 1988: Won the Mount Cameroon race, taking 35 minutes of the women’s record

• 1988: Won the Mount Kinabalu race in Borneo

• 1988: set a new women’s record for the Bob Graham round which she did solo and unsupported.

• 1989: Set new records for the classic British Rounds of Charlie Ramsay, Bob Graham and Paddy Buckley. She was also the first person to do all three in one year.

• 1992: Set records for the Lairig Ghru race and Langdale Horseshoe race

Photos of Helene competing in the 1992 Dragon's Back Race courtesy of Rob Howard / www.sleepmonsters.com

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