Ultra-runner sets record for scaling Scotland’s 282 Munros

Jamie Aarons reaches the finish line

(Image credit: jamiesmunrochallenge.run)

published 29 June 2023

A female ultra-runner has set a new record by scaling all 282 of Scotland’s Munro mountains in just 31 days and ten hours. Jamie Aarons, 43, ran, cycled and kayaked between the mountains (all of which are higher than 3,000ft), beating the previous record, held by a former Marine from Skye, by 12.5 hours (and the previous record for a woman by about 45 days). Originally from California, but now working as a social work adviser for the Scottish government, Aarons was supported by 117 volunteers, who carried tents, food and other essentials.

World’s last gaslit cinema will reopen in Leeds

The last surviving gaslit cinema in the world is to reopen, after a £4.8m restoration. Hyde Park Picture House opened in Leeds just after the outbreak of the First World War. Its gas lights were originally installed to ensure male patrons did not behave improperly. Now, thanks to a National Lottery grant, as well as money from Leeds City Council and the cinema’s fans, the building has been restored to its former glory, and a second, 50-seat screen has been added.

Cricketer with terminal cancer scores century

An amateur cricketer with terminal bowel cancer opened for his club last week – and scored a century. Jonathan Mills, 54, was diagnosed in January, and was told that treatment had failed this month. Nevertheless, days later he insisted on batting for Brookweald CC’s first game of the season, and by scoring 110 off 123 balls, he helped it scrape to victory. “I was playing with literal abandon, nothing to lose,” he told The Sunday Times. “Though if I’m honest, I also didn’t fancy doing too much running between the wickets.”