A boy dubbed “Britain’s fittest teenager” has completed two laps of a race so tough it is said to be the nation’s most gruelling marathon event.
Peter Knowles from Basingstoke is just 19 years old.
Despite his young age and having only started training as an ultrarunner in 2024, he has already completed 16 ultramarathons.
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Most recently, Peter tackled The Berkeley Marathons in Gloucestershire last weekend (26-27 Sep).
The 130-mile race is on a 15,000 elevation route.
It was modelled on the Barkley Marathons in the US, with the UK edition pushing participants to attempt five marathons in just 24 hours.
“The hardest part was finding a reason to keep going,” he said.
“When your ‘why’ fades, everything becomes harder.
“I had to switch off from emotion and just focus on moving forward, even when my body and mind were exhausted.”
Peter ran 55 miles – which equates to two laps.
No one has ever completed the full marathon of five laps.
Runners rely solely on paper maps and solve puzzles to access checkpoints, all while carrying their own supplies without the aid of support stations out on the course.
The race was designed to sit at the very edge of human capabilities – an unfinishable race – with those who conquer it getting the honour of having their names engraved on the bell.
Peter says his motivation was Jasmin Paris, another British ultra-runner, who became the first woman to complete the American version, finishing with just 99 seconds to spare back in March 2024.
Of the 69 starters in this year’s race, 29 exited after completing just one lap, while 25 of those who started lap two failed to complete it.
Only one person managed to complete four laps – setting a new course record – namely, Ian Newms of Stroud Running Club.
Paul from Gert Lush Events, who organised the event, said: “The race undoubtedly pushed Peter to explore his limits, and we’re confident he’s only just beginning to tap into his potential.
“As one of Britain’s youngest ultramarathon runners, he’s tested his limits and now has new horizons to set his sights on.
“We eagerly anticipate his return next year.
“Despite his remarkable achievement, the challenge of the Berkeley Marathons remains unconquered – the bell still awaits its first name.”
Peter was supported at the event by The Feets, a natural active foot care specialist, to help prevent blisters, chafing and soothe his muscles.
He added: “The Feets’ products made a real difference.
“They’re authentic and genuinely care about what they do and I certainly wouldn’t have made it as far as I did without them.”
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