The Round: In Bob Graham's Footsteps

by Steve Chilton

The Round is not only a history of the Bob Graham Round, but also an exploration of the what, why and how of this classic fell endurance challenge. After covering the genesis of the BGR in detail, it documents its development from a more-or-less idle challenge to its present status as a rite of passage for endurance runners. Interspersed with this detail of the round are extensive profiles of many of the event's most significant innovators, record setters, recorders and supporters. Some links to resources for potential BGR completers are be included. The Round is emphatically NOT a 'how to' guide, but it IS a terrific follow up to Steve Chilton's hugely popular first book, It's a Hill, Get Over It.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 17, 2015

About the author

Steve Chilton is a committed runner and qualified athletics coach with considerable experience of fell running and a marathon personal best of 2-34-53. He is a long-time member of the Fell Runners Association (FRA). In a long running career he has run in many of the classic fell races, as well as mountain marathons and has also completed the Cuillin Traverse. He worked for 42 years at Middlesex University where he was Lead Academic Developer.

Steve's work has been published extensively, particularly in his roles as Chair of the Society of Cartographers and Chair of the ICA Commission in Neocartography. He is heavily involved in the OpenStreetMap project (osm.org), having co-authored OpenStreetMap:Using and Enhancing the Free Map of the World. https://itsahill.wordpress.com/curric...

Reviews

[Ed Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bob Graham Round (BGR) is one of fell running's greatest, and most iconic, feats of endurance. It begins and ends in Keswick in England's Lake District, and comprises at least 42 peaks, over 62 miles, ascending 27,000 feet - all to be run in under 24 hours! As a comprehensive account of the BGR's history and the men and women who have run it, Steve Chilton's book is recommended reading for anyone interested in fell running or inspired by endurance challenges.

The book begins with a detailed account of local hotelier Bob Graham's first 'round' in 1932 and goes on to take in the stories behind many more successful (and some not successful) attempts. What makes Steve Chilton's book stand out is the numerous first person accounts from runners, as well as their pacers and supporters: authentic voices, describing real experiences. Either through interviews, or use of diary entries and other contemporaneous accounts, the author builds up a detailed picture of both the landscape and the characters of those who have responded to the challenge it sets. The book's centrepiece is an exclusive interview with fell running legend Billy Bland, who in 1982 completed the BGR in 13 hours and 53 minutes - a record no-one else has yet come close to. This and other interviews make this book an essential document in the history of the BGR in particular, and endurance challenges in general.

[Stuart Sellers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps more detail than I really needed, but that's probably reflection on me rather than the book.

[Josh Yeadon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Enjoyed that one so much! Especially with plans to attempt this myself in 2023. Inspiring stuff.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I should give this book a higher rating but in trying to be as objective as possible, it is too esoteric to justify more stars. Having said that, I bought and started this book whilst holidaying in the Lakes and attempting some fellrunning (off the back of Feet In The Clouds like everyone else.). There, with the mountains and aura of the place around me, I was obsessed with this book. Having returned home to finish it I found it doesn't quite capture the imagination as much. A strange thing but for anyone interested in the BGR, I would say this is almost essential reading. It's a bit too statty in places and more prosaic than Feet In The Clouds but still a great account of the characters and less well-to-do stories that go with the Bob Graham round.