Running vicar to scale local hill 100 times

Phil Harris, also known as "the running vicar", is to climb the equivalent height of Mount Everest

A Leeds vicar and ultramarathon runner is aiming to climb the equivalent height of Mount Everest by running up a hill more than 100 times.

Reverend Phil Harris, of St Peter's Church in Morley, is attempting the challenge in order to raise funds to help restore a dilapidated parish hall.

It is estimated it will cost £750,000 to turn the hall into a community centre, he said, with the facility described as a "much-needed" area resource.

Mr Harris, 39, also known as "the running vicar", will cover about 230 miles (370km) over four days and aims to raise £75,000.

St Peter's Church is located at the top of Churwell Hill, with the challenge involving a total climb of more than 29,029 ft (8,848m) between Wednesday and Saturday.

The parish hall currently hosts drama clubs, choirs and yoga classes, but is increasingly becoming unfit for purpose.

"It's old, it's damp and it's in need of repairs," Mr Harris said.

"We're planning to put an extension on it in order to create more rooms so more community activities can happen side by side."

Mr Harris said the current building is in need of repair

He continued: "We want to make sure there is an affordable, warm and welcoming space for everyone to use.

"It's a precious old building and really important in the community but we're going to make it into a fantastic new facility."

This is the most recent challenge for Mr Harris, who has been running for a decade.

"For years now I have been a committed runner, taking part in ultramarathons and multi-day running challenges," he said.

"I’ve always dreamt of completing a challenge of my own, and I came up with the idea of 'Morley Everest' a few years ago – I’ve just never had the right reason to do it until now.”

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