Bob Graham vs Paddy Buckley vs Ramsay Round
Written by Catriona Adams. Published 10 August 2026
The Bob Graham, Paddy Buckley and Ramsay Rounds share the same 24-hour target and the same absence of a marked course — but they differ in distance, climb, summit count and, critically, in whether a club formally verifies a finish. Most runners attempt the Bob Graham first; the other two are widely rated at least as demanding, with less infrastructure built around them.
Side by side
| Round | Location | Distance | Climb | Summits | First completed | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bob Graham | Lake District | 66 mi (106 km) | 26,900 ft (8,200 m) | 42 | 1932, Bob Graham | Bob Graham 24 Hour Club — formal verification |
| Paddy Buckley | Snowdonia | 62 mi (~100 km) | 28,000 ft (~8,500 m) | 47 | 1982, Wendy Dodds | None formal — community convention |
| Ramsay | Fort William | 58 mi (93 km) | 28,500 ft (~8,700 m) | 24 | 1978, Charlie Ramsay | None formal — community convention |
Distance isn't the same axis as difficulty
The Ramsay is the shortest of the three by distance but has the most climbing per mile, and crosses the most remote, committing terrain — including Ben Nevis. The Paddy Buckley has the most summits but the least formal support structure. The Bob Graham is the longest and has the most summits after the Paddy Buckley, but its formal club, established pacing culture and dense network of previous finishers make it the round most runners can plan against with confidence. None of that makes it easier — it makes it better understood.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Related