Runner’s tribute to Chris Smith
A mountain runner fought his phobia of the dark and smashed the record for one of the world’s toughest races, while raising money for the Chris Smith Memorial Fund.
Russell Bentley, 40, now holds the overall Winter FKT (fastest known time) in the gruelling Paddy Buckley Round, which is set in the mountains of Snowdonia over 24 hours.
The race sees athletes covering 100km, climbing 8,000 metres and taking in 47 summits.
GB Team mountain runner Chris Smith, 43, from Haywards Heath, died from hypothermia during a run in Scotland in October 2020 and his family launched a grant scheme in his name.
“Chris was always happy and had time for people but he was a really fierce runner and a great athlete,” said Russell, adding that he was spurred on by his memory.
“He’s basically the reason for this story – I wouldn’t have done this and gone out if it hadn’t been for him.”
Russell lives in Blaenau Ffestiniog in Snowdonia National Park, Wales, with his wife Nina and children Jim and Emma-Layla.
His adventure, which began on December 19 last year, has been captured in a 30-minute film called ‘Solo and Unsupported’ by Cwmni Da in Caernarfon. It is directed by Huw Erddyn and is set to be premiered in Blaenau Ffestiniog on March 5 in honour of Chris.
Proceeds of the screening will go to the Chris Smith Memorial Fund, which aims to advance the running careers of children and young people through grants.
Russell completed his challenge in 20 hours and 15 minutes, shaving 75 minutes off the previous overall record held by Damian Hall.
He had to carry his own food and navigate the course himself while facing his fear of being alone in the dark.
Half of the race has to be completed in the dark and the route takes in the high mountain ranges of Snowdon, the Glyderau and the Carneddau, as well as the ranges of Moel Siabod, the Moelwynion, and the Nantlle Ridge.
Russell said being alone in the dark on a mountain is his ‘absolute worst nightmare’.
“I thought training for this would conquer my fear but it hasn’t,” he said. “I’ve just had to learn to run with that fear.”
In a previous summer attempt at the challenge, Russell injured himself when a boulder fell on his knee. But he went on to complete a winter round in 2020, raising thousands for the Chris Smith Memorial Fund by writing a blog.