Cumbrian ultra-runner Sabrina Verjee to take on Saint Lucia peaks

Sabrina Verjee on day four of her Wainwrights run – copyright Steve Ashworth

Cumbria ultra-runner Sabrina Verjee will swap the mountains of the Lake District for the three iconic peaks on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia for her next challenge.

The champion runner from Langdale has been invited to Saint Lucia to try and beat the record for running up Gros Piton (2,618.9ft), Petit Piton (2,438ft) and Mount Gimie (3,117ft) consecutively in a timed run on March 3.

No stranger to hard runs, Sabrina holds the overall record for the 325-mile circuit of the Wainwrights, taking five days, 23 hours and 49 minutes, and previously held the female record for running the Pennine Way.

However, the hot and humid conditions, dense tropical vegetation and the gradient of the Saint Lucia peaks will make for a testing run for Sabrina. The current record is held by two locals Jason Sayers, a decorated professional long-distance runner and Julian Toussaint, a Massage Therapist who completed it in a combined climbing time of seven hours.

Sabrina, who works as a vet in Carnforth, said: “I am looking forward to taking on this challenge and visiting Saint Lucia for the first time. The mountains look incredible – I just wish I had more time to stop and appreciate the views!”

She has been invited to do the challenge by Cap Maison Hotel and Saint Lucia Tourism Authority.

Patricia Charlery-Leon from the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority said: “We wish Sabrina the best of luck. Saint Lucia has many great hikes and soft adventure activities that can be enjoyed whilst appreciating our incredible natural scenery.”

Ross Stevenson, General Manager at the luxury, boutique hotel Cap Maison commented: “We don’t expect all our guests to be as energetic as Sabrina, but those that like to be active will enjoy our running and hiking excursions along the coast. A snooze in a hammock, followed by a dip in the pool and a lovely dinner always goes down well afterwards.”