A BOLTON mum completed a gruelling charity challenge up Rivington Pike in record time.

Kelly Sullavan described her “Hell of a Hill” effort — involving five marathons in five days up and around the famous hill as the “hardest but most rewarding” challenge she has ever completed.

The 37-year-old, who lives in Halliwell, finished the race in eighth place out of the 36 who took part and was the top female.

She also set a new course record for the overall competition, completing the five marathons, each time scaling 6,000 ft, in 28 hours and 45 minutes.

The personal trainer was taking part in the Hell of a Hill contest to raise money for Halliwell-based Morrisons Blackbelt karate Academy, where her 5-year-old son Liam attends.

She said: “Over the five days and 131 miles covered I experienced many emotions — there was happiness, frustration, determination and pain.”

“The first three days gave us a mixture of the Pikes’ worst weather, with heavy rain and cold, horrendous wind and torrential rain, which was so bad that I couldn’t see.

“On the final day the atmosphere at the base was electric, we were all ready to get the job done and the weather was even nice for us.

“Each lap you are closer to the finish, everyone was smiling even through the toughest bits and the pride in what we were doing was huge.”

She added: “The camaraderie between the runners was amazing, people I’d never met before felt like close friends by the time the five days where complete and i have to say that the organisation of the event was second to none, including brilliant support staff.”

“When I crossed the finishers tape for the last time the emotion was something I have never felt before, I finished holding my little boys hand and he ran across the line with me, before I burst into happy tears.”

You can still sponsor Kelly by contacting her on 07828249696 or picking up a form at the Morrisons Academy, which is based in Unit G3, Falcon Mill, Handel Street in Halliwell.