An Indian fell runner became the first in his nationality to complete the Bob Graham Round.

Jeev Singh, a city banker turned countryside enthusiast, successfully completed the challenge on the weekend of September 23, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat in nearly a century of the run.

The Bob Graham Round is a fell-running challenge in the English Lake District, named after a Keswick guest-house owner.

In June 1932, Bob Graham broke the Lakeland Fell record by running 42 fells across 66 miles within 24 hours, starting and ending in Keswick.

Mr Singh completed the challenge in 23 hours and 5 minutes.

The runner moved to Ambleside in 2023 from London with his wife Radhika, and has been an active member of The Green Runners movement.

Upon completing the challenge, he said: "I can’t begin to express how much my friends and community’s support meant to me throughout this Bob Graham Round journey.

"Whether you were out on the fells with me, sending encouraging messages, or just being there when I needed someone to believe in me, they’ve been an important part of making this dream come true.

"Every tough moment, every high and low, felt a little lighter, knowing I had friends behind me.

"This wasn’t just about finishing—it was about the shared experience, the laughter, the encouragement, and the strength they all gave me when I needed it most.

“Thank you for being there for me, for sharing this crazy adventure, and for making something so tough feel like a triumph of friendship and community.

"I couldn’t have done this without them, and I’m beyond grateful to have them in my life.”

Mr Singh completed the challenge in 23 hours and 5 minutesMr Singh completed the challenge in 23 hours and 5 minutes (Image: Jake McKenna)

Mr Singh's motivation for completing the Bob Graham Round was grounded in his desire to pay tribute to the landscape and the welcoming community that has helped 'heal his spirit'.

A documentary titled 'To Cumbria With Love' is being produced about Mr Singh's journey, focusing on healing, the power of community, and connections with the outdoors.

This documentary, set for release in early 2025, is expected to shed light on how the Cumbrian landscape brought him peace and a newfound love for fell running.