Optometrist breaks records

An independent optometrist has become the first woman to run up and down Britain’s highest mountain 21 times.

Mandy Goth, who works at Benjamin Opticians in Skipton, took on the Ben Nevis fell running challenge for the 21st consecutive time last month, finishing in three hours and six minutes.

On completing the race this year, Ms Goth was awarded the Connochie plaque, an accolade awarded in honour of Kathleen Connochie who in 1955 was desperate to take part in the race when it was for men only. As a result, the then 16-year-old set off two minutes after the official race started. In 1978 women were officially allowed to take part for the first time.

55-year-old Ms Goth commented: “I am not a natural fell runner and I am pretty slow but I enjoy the race. I keep saying I’ll stop now I have reached the 21 milestone, but I might just do it again.”