A SCOTBY man pushed himself to the limit to break a new record.

Richard Anderson completed the Frog Graham Round in 10 hours and 25 minutes - 30 minutes faster than the previous record.

The Frog Graham Round is a 40 mile swimming and running challenge, starting and finishing in Keswick.

It includes 15,750 feet of climbing, 18 summits and swimming across Bassenthwaite Lake, Crummock Water, Buttermere and Derwentwater.

The 30-year-old said: "I'm really pleased, it's something I've been working towards in the last couple of months, it took a lot of training, getting out and learning the course, it's nice to have pulled it off, especially because I had another attempt around a month ago which was unsuccessful."

Richard works as an accountant and has been fitting in his training around his job.

"I train before work early in the morning, I made the most of of long evenings in the summer, finishing work and getting into the Lake District, there's been lots of big weekends running in the fells.

"With lockdown I haven't been able to go very far, but with working from home I've had a bit more time."

Richard was the 99th person to complete the round.

He said: "The ethos of the challenge is one of self support, meaning you set off from Keswick with everything you will need for the day.

"The Frog Graham is inspired by the more famous fell running challenge, the Bob Graham Round.

"For me, the Frog is much more than an endurance challenge. It is about enjoying what is great about the Lake District in a responsible manner. Being safe and self sufficient on the fells and in the lakes and taking precautions around biosecurity so invasive species are not spread between lakes."

Richard said one of the most important aspects of the challenge was respecting the biodiversity of the Lake District.

"There are invasive species and when you're swimming in four different lakes, it's important that you clean your swim suit properly to avoid any contamination from one lake to another - it's really important.

"I've been trying to get round as fast as I can, but you have to respect the natural environment.

"A lot of people take up open water swimming, so it's important they are aware of it."

Richard has raced triathlons for the past 12 years, racing at an elite level.

He said: "It goes without saying that this is an incredibly tough challenge and I had to push myself to the absolute limit to get round in the time I did.

"I’ve had some great days in endurance sport, winning races and competing at an elite level, but I have to say this ranks as my best. It was an all-round test and I feel I executed to the best of my ability on the day."