On 7 May, fell runner and Ascendancy Apparel ambassador Paul Haigh will embark on the Dales Highway to raise money for children’s DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) brain tumour research charity, Abbie’s Army.

Paul will be running the Dales Highway on 7 May to raise money and awareness for Abbie’s Army

Paul Haigh has never been afraid of a challenge. Just last year he ran a Bob Graham round in under 20 hours and took on the Double Yorkshire Three Peaks soon after, completing it in a new record time of 8 hours, 53 minutes and 45 seconds. His admirable efforts have ultimately been made to raise money for Abbie’s Army, a charity which funds medical research to give hope to those patients and families affected by DIPG, a highly aggressive, inoperable brain tumour.

The cause is close to Paul’s heart; in 2019, eight-year-old Phoebe Rawcliffe was diagnosed with a DIPG. She tragically passed away just three months after her diagnosis. And Paul, a colleague and friend of Phoebe’s dad, Mark, is still on a mission to ensure that awareness of DIPG only continues to increase.

“I need to keep the momentum going and keep raising awareness of this terrible disease, as well as the profile of Abbie’s Army,” said Paul.

When asked why the Dales Highway was chosen as his next mission, Paul said:

“It’s a meaningful route as I grew up in the area. I remember being five years old and walking to Saltaire and back up the hill to our house. I grew up walking in and around the Dales, and so as soon as someone mentioned the Dales Highway Ultra Marathon, completing it has grated on my mind. I was looking to do something else to raise money and awareness for Abbie’s Army, and the Dales Highway seemed like a no brainer.”

The Dales Highway, not to be confused with the Dales Way, is a tough, hilly route stretching 89 miles and taking in 15,000ft of ascent. It takes runners right through the Yorkshire Dales, down over the Howgills, and then into the Eden Valley.

Paul will commence his run in the village of Saltaire in West Yorkshire, finishing in Appleby village in Cumbria. Key sites include The Howgills, the Yorkshire Three Peaks and Ilkley Moor, and while the views will be spectacular, the challenge will be mighty. Paul aims to complete the run in under 24 hours.

“There will be various checkpoints along the way, and I might take five minutes here or there to change my socks or refuel, but it will be a continuous run from 7am on the 7 May,” said Paul.

The first Dales Highway ultra marathon took place in 2019 and the record of 20 hours and 31 minutes was set on 7 May 2021 by Mark Kerry.

“I’m aiming for under 24 hours,” confirms Paul, who will be wearing a special pink Ascendancy Apparel T-shirt while running to coordinate with the colours associated with Abbie’s Army. “I’m looking forward to getting the Howgills out of the way. They come about 60 miles into the run, and it’s a straight, steep ascent from Sedbergh which will be a battle. I’m approaching it the same way I did the Bob Graham, by breaking it down into sections of about 15 - 20 miles and taking them on separately.”

With the run just around the corner, Paul has been aiming to get up to 60 miles into his legs each week alongside regular strength training sessions.

“It’s starting to feel a bit daunting now,” he said, with just one week to go. “Training wise, I know I’m fit, but nerves are expected. A month ago I completed a 38 mile ultra race, finishing 8th, and now I’m tapering, so what will be will be. I’ve scouted out the Howgills, too, running 15 miles one way before turning around and running back, just to prove I could do it.

“Last year, a group of us raised £10,000 for Abbie’s Army, which was incredible. There isn’t a lot of public awareness of DIPG and as a parent I feel responsible for improving this. It’s important we find a cure.”

Keep up with Paul

Instagram: (calder_hag)

Tracking link (number 522): https://track.trail.live/event/dales-high-way

Find out more about Abbie’s Army:

Abbiesarmy.co.uk