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Where There's a Hill: One woman, 214 Lake District fells, four attempts, one record-breaking Wainwrights run
Sabrina Verjee is an ultrarunning phenomenon. In June 2021, on her fourth attempt, she became the first person to climb the Lake District’s 214 Wainwright hills in under six days, running 325 miles with a colossal 36,000 metres of ascent, more than four times the height of Everest.
Where There’s a Hill tells the story of an outsider who was never picked for a school sports team yet went on to become an accomplished modern pentathlete and adventure racer. After switching her focus to ultrarunning in her thirties, Sabrina moved to the Lake District, where she could hone her mountain-running skills in the local fells. High-profile success in endurance events followed, as she completed the Dragon’s Back Race three times and was the outright winner of the 2019 Summer Spine Race, beating her nearest competitor by more than eight hours.
However, it was the Wainwrights Round which really captured Sabrina’s imagination. Having learnt about the challenge from fell-running legend Steve Birkinshaw, Sabrina began to plan an attempt of her own. Despite multiple obstacles – including lockdown regulations, bad weather, injury and controversy – Sabrina’s grit and determination shone through. Where There’s a Hill is a frank and inspirational account of how one woman ran her way into the record books.
Where There’s a Hill tells the story of an outsider who was never picked for a school sports team yet went on to become an accomplished modern pentathlete and adventure racer. After switching her focus to ultrarunning in her thirties, Sabrina moved to the Lake District, where she could hone her mountain-running skills in the local fells. High-profile success in endurance events followed, as she completed the Dragon’s Back Race three times and was the outright winner of the 2019 Summer Spine Race, beating her nearest competitor by more than eight hours.
However, it was the Wainwrights Round which really captured Sabrina’s imagination. Having learnt about the challenge from fell-running legend Steve Birkinshaw, Sabrina began to plan an attempt of her own. Despite multiple obstacles – including lockdown regulations, bad weather, injury and controversy – Sabrina’s grit and determination shone through. Where There’s a Hill is a frank and inspirational account of how one woman ran her way into the record books.
- GenresSportsNonfiction
176 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2022
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September 15, 2022
Where There’s a Hill is the story of how Sabrina went from not considering herself ‘a natural athlete’ to becoming the first person to summit all 214 Wainwright peaks in the Lake District in under six days – an incredible achievement.
What I really loved about Where There’s a Hill is how honest and readable it is. It feels more like a relaxed chat with a friend than the autobiography of a record-breaking runner, and it’s easy to forget quite how impressive Sabrina’s accomplishments are.
The narrative starts with a chapter on Sabrina’s childhood and family, then moves quickly on to discuss the career change and house move that gets her up to the Lake District. It’s really fascinating to read about the evolution of her plans for the Wainwrights: what makes her first start considering it, and then how her route and expectations change between each of her attempts. I haven’t spent loads of time in the Lake District so I’m not too familiar with many sections of the route, but there’s a map included and smaller maps of various sections where needed which is really helpful. It’s also got a lovely selection of photos which is great (I am firmly of the opinion that every outdoors narrative book would be improved by a good selection of photos), and helps show how tough the conditions were at times.
I followed Sabrina’s final record-breaking attempt at the time, but I had no idea how much her success on that round was a direct result of building on the failures of previous attempts. Sabrina carefully analyses her route and strategy and mistakes, fine-tuning her plans until everything comes together. When she’s discussing her route, she does have a tendency of flitting from discussing one attempt to a different one quite quickly which I did occasionally find a little confusing, but it didn’t really dilute my enjoyment of the book.
I was really impressed throughout by Sabrina’s loud confidence in herself. It’s so rare to see a woman declaring that she’s good at something, that people want her on their team because of her specific strengths; Sabrina’s self-assurance is so refreshing and inspiring! Her determination and willingness to share her journey without glossing over any of the ugly bits stops her from ever coming across as arrogant. She’s open about the tough bits of running ultras and about times when she feels her behaviour has let her down. She’s very self-critical here, apologizing for snapping at friends when running for literally days without a break.
She holds herself to a high moral standard, even going as far as to refuse painkillers whilst doing the round. I’ve often wondered where the boundary comes for people accepting support to get themselves around long-distance, record-breaking runs, and I found Sabrina’s strict ethics to be refreshing, if not at times surely more strict than anyone would expect; it’s difficult to imagine anyone criticizing her for taking paracetamol.
It's clear throughout how much Sabrina is driven by the sheer joy of running and of exploring the mountains in this way. She is incredibly driven, always aiming for success, but seems more inspired by the delight of moving quickly through the mountains than by the idea of beating anyone else. I am hoping this sense of playfulness in the hills is going to prove good inspiration for my own running, albeit at a rather less impressive level, as the weather turns autumnal over the next few weeks…
What I really loved about Where There’s a Hill is how honest and readable it is. It feels more like a relaxed chat with a friend than the autobiography of a record-breaking runner, and it’s easy to forget quite how impressive Sabrina’s accomplishments are.
The narrative starts with a chapter on Sabrina’s childhood and family, then moves quickly on to discuss the career change and house move that gets her up to the Lake District. It’s really fascinating to read about the evolution of her plans for the Wainwrights: what makes her first start considering it, and then how her route and expectations change between each of her attempts. I haven’t spent loads of time in the Lake District so I’m not too familiar with many sections of the route, but there’s a map included and smaller maps of various sections where needed which is really helpful. It’s also got a lovely selection of photos which is great (I am firmly of the opinion that every outdoors narrative book would be improved by a good selection of photos), and helps show how tough the conditions were at times.
I followed Sabrina’s final record-breaking attempt at the time, but I had no idea how much her success on that round was a direct result of building on the failures of previous attempts. Sabrina carefully analyses her route and strategy and mistakes, fine-tuning her plans until everything comes together. When she’s discussing her route, she does have a tendency of flitting from discussing one attempt to a different one quite quickly which I did occasionally find a little confusing, but it didn’t really dilute my enjoyment of the book.
I was really impressed throughout by Sabrina’s loud confidence in herself. It’s so rare to see a woman declaring that she’s good at something, that people want her on their team because of her specific strengths; Sabrina’s self-assurance is so refreshing and inspiring! Her determination and willingness to share her journey without glossing over any of the ugly bits stops her from ever coming across as arrogant. She’s open about the tough bits of running ultras and about times when she feels her behaviour has let her down. She’s very self-critical here, apologizing for snapping at friends when running for literally days without a break.
She holds herself to a high moral standard, even going as far as to refuse painkillers whilst doing the round. I’ve often wondered where the boundary comes for people accepting support to get themselves around long-distance, record-breaking runs, and I found Sabrina’s strict ethics to be refreshing, if not at times surely more strict than anyone would expect; it’s difficult to imagine anyone criticizing her for taking paracetamol.
It's clear throughout how much Sabrina is driven by the sheer joy of running and of exploring the mountains in this way. She is incredibly driven, always aiming for success, but seems more inspired by the delight of moving quickly through the mountains than by the idea of beating anyone else. I am hoping this sense of playfulness in the hills is going to prove good inspiration for my own running, albeit at a rather less impressive level, as the weather turns autumnal over the next few weeks…
August 24, 2022
A fine read. Having watched a film about Sabrina's Wainwright run at last year's Kendal Mountain Festival I was keen to read the book and it didn't disappoint.
The first two chapters provide a very good autobiographical summary for Sabrina's family background, childhood, school life and early career path through to her moving to the Lake District.
From a child who was often treated as an outsider and was never picked for school sports, we see Sabrina's progression to a adventure racer and ultrarunner - one very determined lady and so interesting to get this background to the runner.
The next phase of the book focuses on her growing participation in adventure races around the world and her determination to compete on her own strengths rather than the token female in a mixed team where she often felt undervalued. This ultimately led to Sabrina going her own way and beginning the quest to run the Wainwrights.
The remaining chapters then focus on the ups and downs of that journey with run and route descriptions added to by asides which will undoubtedly provide regular runners with hints and tips to improve their own performance.
The book is so full of characters that it's more like a who's who of fell running. Everyone seems to support each other as each in turn tackles their next challenge. This is part of the real positive spirit of those who take part in this pastime and isn't often seen in many sports.
Amazing what the human body can do if pushed. At times the book makes gruesome reading as Sabrina struggles with injury of to overcome sleep depravation. It is inspiring though and certainly is a worthy addition to this genre of literature.
The first two chapters provide a very good autobiographical summary for Sabrina's family background, childhood, school life and early career path through to her moving to the Lake District.
From a child who was often treated as an outsider and was never picked for school sports, we see Sabrina's progression to a adventure racer and ultrarunner - one very determined lady and so interesting to get this background to the runner.
The next phase of the book focuses on her growing participation in adventure races around the world and her determination to compete on her own strengths rather than the token female in a mixed team where she often felt undervalued. This ultimately led to Sabrina going her own way and beginning the quest to run the Wainwrights.
The remaining chapters then focus on the ups and downs of that journey with run and route descriptions added to by asides which will undoubtedly provide regular runners with hints and tips to improve their own performance.
The book is so full of characters that it's more like a who's who of fell running. Everyone seems to support each other as each in turn tackles their next challenge. This is part of the real positive spirit of those who take part in this pastime and isn't often seen in many sports.
Amazing what the human body can do if pushed. At times the book makes gruesome reading as Sabrina struggles with injury of to overcome sleep depravation. It is inspiring though and certainly is a worthy addition to this genre of literature.
September 15, 2022
As a trail runner, I had certainly heard of Sabrina before, and so leapt at the chance to read how just how she manages to achieve such incredible feats. I was completely hooked on this book and devoured it straight away, and now I want to read more about what she is planning for the future!
I really like how Sabrina deeply explores her life growing up (family, university, etc), and how she came to trail running. What I really admire is that Sabrina knows that she's good - there's no self-deprecation going on, and she explains how frustrated she got as the only female in otherwise male teams while competing challenges around the world, when nobody would listen to her and held her up. This explains why she decided to set out on her own.
Sabrina is totally honest, very funny, and I found myself wishing I could have been one of her team helping her on one of the segments of her Wainwrights round. It is incredible that she somehow also finds the time to run a successful veterinary practice. She had so many set-backs during the Covid lockdown and yet seems to get stronger and stronger.
If you are a trail runner, love the Lake District or simply want to know how such an amazing woman has achieved so much, you need to buy this book!
I really like how Sabrina deeply explores her life growing up (family, university, etc), and how she came to trail running. What I really admire is that Sabrina knows that she's good - there's no self-deprecation going on, and she explains how frustrated she got as the only female in otherwise male teams while competing challenges around the world, when nobody would listen to her and held her up. This explains why she decided to set out on her own.
Sabrina is totally honest, very funny, and I found myself wishing I could have been one of her team helping her on one of the segments of her Wainwrights round. It is incredible that she somehow also finds the time to run a successful veterinary practice. She had so many set-backs during the Covid lockdown and yet seems to get stronger and stronger.
If you are a trail runner, love the Lake District or simply want to know how such an amazing woman has achieved so much, you need to buy this book!
August 25, 2022
One cannot fail to be impressed by Sabs, but what this book does really well is to give an insight into how herrelentless determination and drive was there from the start. There will be many who can identify with her account of being "the kid who was never picked for school sport"... It was fascinating to read how she moved into Pentathlon, adventure racing, and then found her way into ultrarunning where she could stand and fall on her own strengths and merits.
Though Sabs tells of how she felt undermined and ignored in adventure racing, in this book her voice comes through loud and clear. She explains the rationale behind her choices and decisions, including the round that "didn't count", cutting through the headlines and media noise with her engaging and entertaining prose.
I particularly liked the sketch maps which show alternative route choices - books about ultrarunning and record rounds often mention how secret trods and route choice can make a massive difference to times, but without getting the maps out it can be hard to visualise what is going on. The sketch maps were hugely illuminating and made it very clear what Sabs was talking about.
A hugely inspiring book.
Though Sabs tells of how she felt undermined and ignored in adventure racing, in this book her voice comes through loud and clear. She explains the rationale behind her choices and decisions, including the round that "didn't count", cutting through the headlines and media noise with her engaging and entertaining prose.
I particularly liked the sketch maps which show alternative route choices - books about ultrarunning and record rounds often mention how secret trods and route choice can make a massive difference to times, but without getting the maps out it can be hard to visualise what is going on. The sketch maps were hugely illuminating and made it very clear what Sabs was talking about.
A hugely inspiring book.
September 15, 2022
his is a truly inspiring book about one of the hardest fell running challenges. This book really breaks down her determination going from the child that wasn't picked for sports to one of the greatest mountain runners going.
This isn't a tick list of a book, detailing all her split times on each of her attempts. Instead it tells the tale of them, the humour of the supporting team and what she was feeling throughout. Considering she is an incredible elite athlete, the tone the entire way through is entirely humble and very personable. She explains the underlying reasons for her decisions in doing this challenge and why the first attempt didn't count. There are so many tips in here about long distance running and how the community is so supportive.
For anyone who has an interest in the Wainwrights and Ultra running, this book is a must read. I couldn't put it down once I started.
This isn't a tick list of a book, detailing all her split times on each of her attempts. Instead it tells the tale of them, the humour of the supporting team and what she was feeling throughout. Considering she is an incredible elite athlete, the tone the entire way through is entirely humble and very personable. She explains the underlying reasons for her decisions in doing this challenge and why the first attempt didn't count. There are so many tips in here about long distance running and how the community is so supportive.
For anyone who has an interest in the Wainwrights and Ultra running, this book is a must read. I couldn't put it down once I started.
September 19, 2022
Sabrina's is an inspiring story. She found her calling in modern pentathlon and long distance running after a difficult start to her school life and showed amazing dedication in both her veterinary career and her Wainwright attempts. I found it fascinating exactly how much effort goes into the planning and organisation and how much teamwork is involved in preparing for the 6 days in the hills
August 20, 2023
Book Fifty One of 2023: I love reading books about ultrarunners and after a week in the Lakes I wanted more. I have been a fan of Sabrina's since I followed her outright win on the Summer Spine, and the lakes are even closer to my heart.
Not too long either, she didn't pad the book.
Not too long either, she didn't pad the book.
September 15, 2022
Where there’s a hill is a really great book about Sabrina Verjee’s tenacity and determination to smash the time of the Wainwrights in the Lake District.
Sabrina is clearly above and beyond normal humans in her fitness and capacity for endurance, though she describes herself quite humbly. I did find it a bit hard to relate to her despite having done ultras myself as she’s clearly been a competitive elite athlete for some time.
That said it’s a really enjoyable read and very engaging, I read the book in a few days. It was interesting to read about what it takes to do multi day challenges and I did love her ethics for wanting to complete the challenge in her own way.
Sabrina is clearly above and beyond normal humans in her fitness and capacity for endurance, though she describes herself quite humbly. I did find it a bit hard to relate to her despite having done ultras myself as she’s clearly been a competitive elite athlete for some time.
That said it’s a really enjoyable read and very engaging, I read the book in a few days. It was interesting to read about what it takes to do multi day challenges and I did love her ethics for wanting to complete the challenge in her own way.
January 8, 2023
Sabs is an inspiration, really enjoyed reading about her adventures and amazing achievements.
September 11, 2022
For me, tackling all 214 Wainwrights over a period of several years felt like a huge enough challenge so, as I began reading ‘Where There’s a Hill’, I thought I fully understood the scale of the challenge Sabrina faced of running them in just under six days. In fact I’d been following her various attempts and can recall feeling so pleased for her when she achieved her goal in June 2021. However, it wasn’t until I read her account that I truly appreciated the physical toll days and nights of running with little sleep takes, no matter how fit and experienced you are. There were moments when her descriptions of how she pushed herself to carry on, even when she was struggling with asthma attacks, suffering from injuries, disoriented from sleep-deprivation and battling against bad weather conditions, felt almost unbearable to read. I marvelled at her dogged determination to fight through whatever pain and discomfort she was experiencing and to carry on regardless … but I also found myself wondering about the punishment she was inflicting on her body!
I enjoyed gaining insights into the minutiae of what is involved in undertaking such a challenge: the meticulous planning of the optimal, most ‘efficient’ route to follow to achieve the ultimate goal and the importance of the vital practical and psychological support and encouragement from pacers and a team of supporters. Throughout her account she pays homage to everyone who played a part in helping her achieve her goal, conveying a real sense of a close-knit ‘community’ of fell runners, always ready to offer support to one another. Just one example of this was that not long after her own record-breaking run she was on the fells again, supporting a runner who was aiming to break her record!
I enjoyed all the photographs and appreciated being able to refer to the map in the centre of the book which traced the day-by-day routes she took on her record-achieving fourth attempt. I also appreciated the various sketched illustrations throughout the book which showed some of the changes she made to the route on her final attempt, as well as her rationale for making those changes. Knowing the terrain so well, this enabled me to recognise how such apparently small changes can not only be more energy-efficient, but can also save valuable time. The combination of Sabrina’s highly-evocative narrative and these ‘visual-aids’ allowed me to feel as though I was following her every step of the way … but, thankfully, from the comfort of my armchair!
In her acknowledgments Sabrina thanks Kirsty Reade at Vertebrate Press for giving her the ‘nudge’ to write about her various attempts at running the Wainwrights, as well as the rest of the team who helped her to achieve what might otherwise have been an unfulfilled desire to write this book. Having now read her enthralling account
(seldom has the description ‘awe-inspiring’ felt more apposite) I’m delighted that she responded to that timely ‘nudge’! I found her writing-style immediately engaging, almost conversational in its tone, and appreciated the insights she provided into how she used her experiences of feeling an ‘outsider’ as a child (never picked for school sports teams and excluded from even the informal playground games) to develop the grit and determination to become a record-breaking ultrarunner. I think that even people who have no interest in such extreme sporting events would be able to recognise the challenges she had to overcome to achieve her goals … and maybe even feel inspired to not give up on their own dreams!
I enjoyed gaining insights into the minutiae of what is involved in undertaking such a challenge: the meticulous planning of the optimal, most ‘efficient’ route to follow to achieve the ultimate goal and the importance of the vital practical and psychological support and encouragement from pacers and a team of supporters. Throughout her account she pays homage to everyone who played a part in helping her achieve her goal, conveying a real sense of a close-knit ‘community’ of fell runners, always ready to offer support to one another. Just one example of this was that not long after her own record-breaking run she was on the fells again, supporting a runner who was aiming to break her record!
I enjoyed all the photographs and appreciated being able to refer to the map in the centre of the book which traced the day-by-day routes she took on her record-achieving fourth attempt. I also appreciated the various sketched illustrations throughout the book which showed some of the changes she made to the route on her final attempt, as well as her rationale for making those changes. Knowing the terrain so well, this enabled me to recognise how such apparently small changes can not only be more energy-efficient, but can also save valuable time. The combination of Sabrina’s highly-evocative narrative and these ‘visual-aids’ allowed me to feel as though I was following her every step of the way … but, thankfully, from the comfort of my armchair!
In her acknowledgments Sabrina thanks Kirsty Reade at Vertebrate Press for giving her the ‘nudge’ to write about her various attempts at running the Wainwrights, as well as the rest of the team who helped her to achieve what might otherwise have been an unfulfilled desire to write this book. Having now read her enthralling account
(seldom has the description ‘awe-inspiring’ felt more apposite) I’m delighted that she responded to that timely ‘nudge’! I found her writing-style immediately engaging, almost conversational in its tone, and appreciated the insights she provided into how she used her experiences of feeling an ‘outsider’ as a child (never picked for school sports teams and excluded from even the informal playground games) to develop the grit and determination to become a record-breaking ultrarunner. I think that even people who have no interest in such extreme sporting events would be able to recognise the challenges she had to overcome to achieve her goals … and maybe even feel inspired to not give up on their own dreams!
September 11, 2022
Where There’s a Hill by Sabrina Varjee
For those like me who run, climb and have a morbid fascination of long-distance trails, reading Where There’s a Hill by Sabrina Varjee brings to life her own journey from novice runner to a household name. For those of us who have followed previous races and dot watched in fascination will know of Sabrina’s rise, as she has completed various successful races. For me, she came to my attention in 2019, during the summer Spine race, watching how she overcame difficulties like sleep deprivation as she says
‘I must have fallen asleep on my feet because somehow I turned 180 degrees without knowing it.’
It goes to show the sacrifice the body has to endure as Sabrina endures pain, sleep deprivation, sickness, injury, all of which she lays bare in her book, you often wonder why bother? However, one cannot be amazed and in awe of ultra-distance runners, who continue to push the boundaries of human endurance. I could summarise much of her psychology with the quote on page 111 where she says the conditions were exceedingly dangerous. “I loved it! How can you ever feel more alive than when the elements are doing their damnedest to throw you off this Earth and you are winning. The more the wind blew, the more I charged up that hill.”
Another enduring legacy of the book is to see the companionship you often get in the mountains, whether you are walking, running, racing, hill-bagging, the passion and support for others shines brightly throughout the book and Sabrina herself, often supports others, showing the community spirit hasn’t diminished. In fact, its people like Sabrina, through writing books like this, are ensuring this community spirit grows, which hopefully will encourage more people from all communities to go and experience the hills and mountains themselves. Lastly, through her attempts on the Wainwright round, she shows that no matter how many mistakes you make, you are learning about yourself.
The book isn’t a guide, but it is written in an engaging way that you will pick up on many pieces of advice that you can put into practice, even if you are not a long-distance runner. Definitely worth a place on your bookshelf.
For those like me who run, climb and have a morbid fascination of long-distance trails, reading Where There’s a Hill by Sabrina Varjee brings to life her own journey from novice runner to a household name. For those of us who have followed previous races and dot watched in fascination will know of Sabrina’s rise, as she has completed various successful races. For me, she came to my attention in 2019, during the summer Spine race, watching how she overcame difficulties like sleep deprivation as she says
‘I must have fallen asleep on my feet because somehow I turned 180 degrees without knowing it.’
It goes to show the sacrifice the body has to endure as Sabrina endures pain, sleep deprivation, sickness, injury, all of which she lays bare in her book, you often wonder why bother? However, one cannot be amazed and in awe of ultra-distance runners, who continue to push the boundaries of human endurance. I could summarise much of her psychology with the quote on page 111 where she says the conditions were exceedingly dangerous. “I loved it! How can you ever feel more alive than when the elements are doing their damnedest to throw you off this Earth and you are winning. The more the wind blew, the more I charged up that hill.”
Another enduring legacy of the book is to see the companionship you often get in the mountains, whether you are walking, running, racing, hill-bagging, the passion and support for others shines brightly throughout the book and Sabrina herself, often supports others, showing the community spirit hasn’t diminished. In fact, its people like Sabrina, through writing books like this, are ensuring this community spirit grows, which hopefully will encourage more people from all communities to go and experience the hills and mountains themselves. Lastly, through her attempts on the Wainwright round, she shows that no matter how many mistakes you make, you are learning about yourself.
The book isn’t a guide, but it is written in an engaging way that you will pick up on many pieces of advice that you can put into practice, even if you are not a long-distance runner. Definitely worth a place on your bookshelf.
January 3, 2023
I heard Sabrina speak at Kendal Mountain Festival and was impressed by how articulate, honest and determined she is. This is a great, not too long account of her challenge to complete 214 Wainwright peaks in under six days. Sabrina comes across as a determined athlete who doesn’t suffer fools. She writes entertainingly and acerbically about the various encounters she has with her dedicated supporters during her rounds and acknowledges her at times, “fire-breathing” reputation! The result is an impressive and inspiring account of a quite remarkable woman, steadfast in her self-belief, with an insane work ethic ingrained since childhood. What struck me most was the epilogue where despite her achievements, she humours her mother who appears to have no idea quite what her daughter has achieved. It suggests that some people spend their lives trying to do something “good enough” to impress their parents and that in the end you may as well just high five yourself! And be proud! Great and inspirational stuff Sabs.
September 19, 2022
A talented athlete and a good author.
From a non traditional introduction to fell running its inspirational to see how she got to where she is now,
I’d kept track of her record breaking run and it’s really interesting to read how failure in previous attempts didn’t stop her trying again.
Aside from her personal thoughts it gives an insight into how you should approach such a challenge with maps and how to learn from going wrong.
Overall a good inspiring read but maybe not one I would go back to much.
From a non traditional introduction to fell running its inspirational to see how she got to where she is now,
I’d kept track of her record breaking run and it’s really interesting to read how failure in previous attempts didn’t stop her trying again.
Aside from her personal thoughts it gives an insight into how you should approach such a challenge with maps and how to learn from going wrong.
Overall a good inspiring read but maybe not one I would go back to much.
March 7, 2025
What an achievement - running the Wainwrights Round in six days - that’s 325 miles and 36,000 metres of ascent!
It turns out that while this is an impressive feat, I didn’t get as much out of this book as I have out of other running memoirs. Possibly because there’s more logistics than emotions.
What does shine through though is the supportive nature of the fell running community. So many people willing to turn up and navigate or carry items as a support crew while also running over multiple fells as they perform their tasks.
It turns out that while this is an impressive feat, I didn’t get as much out of this book as I have out of other running memoirs. Possibly because there’s more logistics than emotions.
What does shine through though is the supportive nature of the fell running community. So many people willing to turn up and navigate or carry items as a support crew while also running over multiple fells as they perform their tasks.
January 7, 2025
An Inspiring Read!
I have absolutely loved this book. Sabrina is an absolute inspiration and how tenacious is she?? I am not a fell runner and didn't know who Sabrina was before this book, but I love the Lakes and all it's mountains. This account of one woman who runs 214 of them at once is gritty, inspirational and had me hooked. Well written and a rollercoaster to the last summit! Loved it
I have absolutely loved this book. Sabrina is an absolute inspiration and how tenacious is she?? I am not a fell runner and didn't know who Sabrina was before this book, but I love the Lakes and all it's mountains. This account of one woman who runs 214 of them at once is gritty, inspirational and had me hooked. Well written and a rollercoaster to the last summit! Loved it
November 24, 2022
It’s the first booked dedicated to running I have read. And it was very enjoyable. Giving an insight into ultra distance and the power of mind over matter. I would recommend it for anyone who enjoys a long walk in the countryside
December 4, 2022
Loved reading this book. Love a book written by a woman that isn’t driven by some sort of trauma. Great to read about the different attempts and finally achieving. Also great to have a book written by a person of colour as not so many around.
October 29, 2022
Nice quick read, interesting account of an extraordinary record.
April 11, 2023
Enjoyable but a bit too detailed (names of people and places) in parts.
April 24, 2023
Fascinating account of strength, commitment and honesty from a remarkable and inspirational woman.
May 29, 2023
Gives amazing insight into what it takes to run the wainwrights
June 27, 2023
Brilliant book. Well written and informative. A great running book.
August 17, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. I had my eye on it for a while and finally bought it after I ran the 50 and saw Sabrina win the Lakeland 100. Fantastic book and a great story
September 14, 2023
Fantastic book by a very talented athlete, Sabrina really painted a picture of what true tenacity is and what it’s like on not one but four Wainwright rounds.
January 14, 2024
Easy to read. Quite an amazing woman.
April 4, 2024
I also am highly self motivated and cannot understand why other people are not (though I got over that as I got older). A great short book about a long run over 214 fells.
April 8, 2024
Great runner, amazing achievements, tetrible writer. Both language and tone are cringingly bad. Its not even that insightful.
October 5, 2025
Sabrina is an amazing runner and an inspiration to many. And as a big Lake District fan I enjoyed this book. However, the writing wasn’t brilliant and i didn’t feel like she was the best storyteller.
July 14, 2023
Just brilliant. Sabrina's achievements as an ultra-fell-runner are phenomenal. Her resilience in attempting the round of the Wainwright Lakeland Fells (214 mountains, 325 miles, 36k metres of ascent), three times before finally succeeding on the fourth attempt in just under 6 days, becoming the first woman to do it, and breaking the previous record (set by a man) is inspirational. Lost a star as it isn't terribly well-written and reads like a first-draft diary or journal (even though according to the acknowledgements, a couple of editors were involved.)
December 12, 2022
An inspiring read about an endurance athlete that I didn't know much about before I read her book. Nothing special at sport, Sabrina progressed to an adventure racer and ultra runner. You get a good feel from her writing for the levels of commitment and determination she has. In early adventure races she was the only female in a mixed team and she often felt undervalued. This ultimately led to her independent approach to such events as running the Wainwrights. She also highlights the inter-dependence there is for such an extreme task, describing how fell runners support each other as each in turn tackles their next challenge. The book is a great example of the outstanding levels that the human body can reach if pushed. One awesome strength Sabrina brings to her efforts is her ability to overcome sleep deprivation. If you are interested in extreme sport this is a definite must-read.
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