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New Film Celebrates Runner Imo Boddy’s Three Peaks Record in the U.K. – iRunFar


In the spring of 2024, 24-year-old Imogen “Imo” Boddy broke the women’s Three Peaks record in the U.K. Now, a new film shares her adventure.

The Three Peaks record includes running the highest mountains in Scotland (Ben Nevis at 1,345 meters tall), England (Scafell Pike at 978 meters), and Wales (Snowdon at 1,085 meters) while also running the distance in between on the roads — for a total of almost 700 kilometers with 10,000 meters of climb — in a little over six days. To add further gravitas to the challenge, the record Boddy was attempting to break had stood for more than 40 years — set by Ann Sayer in 1979, in 7 days, 31 minutes.

The Three Peaks Challenge is more commonly undertaken by climbing all three peaks while driving the distances in between them within 24 hours. While some have opted to cycle, it is rare that anyone covers the distance through running.

The inspiring documentary — filmed in May 2024 and released in December — includes interviews with Boddy’s crew, including her mother, father, sister, physiotherapist, and coach, who were there every step of the way.

The challenges faced along this mammoth journey were logistical as well as physical. On day one, Boddy tackled the 1,345-meter (4,413 feet) Ben Nevis from her starting point at sea level, at Fort William Ferry Port in the Scottish Highlands. She then only had a short rest before an enforced early start, to avoid traffic on a dangerous road section. Coach Chris Taylor said: “Day two started at 2 a.m. This was the day where we had decided to have just a short nap at the finish of day one, rather than a full sleep so that we could tackle the section of the A82 [highway] … overnight … I don’t think anyone really had much more than two hours sleep.”

Three Peaks World Record - Imo Boddy - Start at Fort William

Imo Boddy starting out on her Three Peaks challenge, from Fort William, Scotland. All photos are screenshots from the film by StoneVisuals.

Boddy’s resilience and determination shone through in the film, even when things got tough, as she recounts: “My knee kind of flared up on day two. It flared up after about 300k, so it kind of makes sense, but it was frustrating and it is inevitable, so you just kind of got to grind it out.” Boddy is no stranger to endurance challenges. Two years prior, at age 22, the former triathlete became the youngest person to run LEJOG (Land’s End to John of Goats) — a 1,913k (1,189 miles) route covering the entire length of Great Britain.

Day four offered a break from the roads, as Boddy tackled Scafell Pike, the highest, and notoriously technical, peak in England’s Lake District. Amidst breathtaking scenery, Boddy becomes emotional at the summit, and there is a real sense of victory on the descent, knowing that more than half of the work is done, and the end is in sight for this great challenge.

Three Peaks World Record - Imo Boddy - Descending Scafell Pike

Boddy (in white) and supporters descending Scafell Pike, the highest point in England.

The warmth and support of Boddy’s family and other crew members shone throughout the film, as did her deep appreciation for them. On the long road section from the Welsh border to the base of Snowdon, Boddy reaches her lowest point — both physically and mentally broken. But the team rallies behind her, and the sun comes out for her final triumphant ascent of Snowdon and descent the finish, in a new women’s record for the route of 6 days, 5 hours, and 43 minutes — something like an 18-hour improvement on the record.

This film takes you on an emotional journey, depicting the power of both teamwork and personal resolve. If you are in the midst of a training slump and a bit lost for motivation, this film will have you dreaming up your next big challenge — and maybe thinking about the team who will help get you to the finish.

Call for Comments

  • Have you heard of the Three Peaks route? Have you ever completed it?
  • What big challenges are you planning for 2025?
Three Peaks World Record - Imo Boddy

Imo Boddy on her way to setting a new women’s Three Peaks record.



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