OS Imo Boddy Creates History with Endurance World Record

Old Sedberghian Imo Boddy (Robertson, 2015-17) has etched her name into the record books for the second time in two years, as she completed the UK National Three Peaks on foot in just over 6 days.

This latest feat of endurance is another accomplishment that Imo can now add to her impressive and ever-growing resume. As an Upper Sixth pupil here at Sedbergh, Imo created and completed a triathlon which is now known as the “Boddy Challenge”. A 6 mile swim in Lake Windermere, running Windermere marathon and then cycling the 20 miles back to Sedbergh.

Imo has continued to push herself, mentally and physically, with her endurance challenges. In 2021, she completed seven marathons in seven days and in 2022 she entered the record books for the first time; becoming the fastest female to run from John o’Groats to Land’s End.

Without doubt, this latest challenge was Imo’s most ambitious and toughest yet. Not only covering 700km, but also summiting the three highest peaks in the UK; Ben Nevis (1345m), Scafell Pike (978m) and Snowdon (1085m). The previous best time was set in 1979 by English long-distance walker Ann Sayer MBE, in a time of 7 days and 31 minutes.

Averaging over 100km a day, Imo worked her way from Scotland, through England and into Wales and just after midday on Tuesday 21st May, Imo made it to her finish point in Caernarfon to stop the clock at 6 days, 5 hour and 43 minutes, eclipsing Sayer’s time by 18 hours.

In an interview with Sky News later that day, Imo said; “It was so tough. I dug very deep and I’ve had an amazing team – my coach set a very good schedule and the last 31 hours we had about 4 hours sleep.”

“Hopefully we can keep that record standing for another long period of time.” Imo added.

Sedbergh School Headmaster, Mr Harrison, shared his congratulations to Imo saying; “Well done Imo! There will be many of us who remember you showing similar determination at school. Huge congratulations on a remarkable achievement.”

You can see more updates from across the 6 days of Imo’s journey on her Instagram.