RunUltra

As the 2025 trail, fell and ultra-running season comes to a close, our thoughts turn to the epic events of the year. From Lucy Gossage and Kim Collison’s wins at the Spine race back in January, Sarah Perry’s continued dominance at the Backyard events, to Arthur Hill setting a new record on the Winter Bob Graham Round....Dan Lawson setting a new SWCP FKT, Tom Evans winning UTMB and Hugh Tibbs break...

We chat to Sarah Rowell, who was recently elected President of the World Mountain Running Association (I incorrectly said Mountain and Trail Running Association at the start, so apologies for my error). Sarah talks about her early marathon running career, breaking records and participating in the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984 - incredibly the first Olympics women were allowed to participate in the...

We have a fascinating conversation with Jared Beasley, author of The Endurance Artist, the book about Gary Cantrell, aka Lazarus Lake. Jared has followed Laz for several years now and supported him on his Trans-America crossing a couple of years ago. He has gained a unique insight into the brain behind The Barkley Marathons and the Backyard Ultra format and having started this book, I can confirm...

Matt Field is an incredibly accomplished runner, although he’d never shout about it. Within a few short years of running, Matt has come first at two 24 hour races, second at Manchester to Liverpool, first at Chester Ultra 50 and second at the highly competitive Thames Path 100. Not only that but he is our British record holder for the 24 hour fixed time format, where he’s ran an astonishing 281.3k...

Robin and Kate have a great chat with Colin, talking about the 13 Valleys Ultras which took place at the end of September. Colin is clearly passionate about this race and it shows as he talks about gathering feedback, improving where possible and plans for future years. He reveals an exciting change for next year, which will have a great impact on the whole weekend. 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in! If you...

So much to cover in this episode! Recorded on 20th October, Kate and Robin start by talking about Robin’s difficulties adjusting to life post-race after his successful 24-hour run in London. They discuss the importance of openness and talking about mental wellbeing and he’s now happily chasing a new 5k PB instead of running the Arc of Attrition. They celebrate Sarah Webster’s incredible performanc...

Kate chats to Tony, who founded the community running group Peaky Runners. He chats about his running journey, why he started this community, how he coped with the loss of family and the importance of talking as well as running for mental health. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit runultra.substack.com

Sarah broke the female World Record last weekend at the IAU World 24hr Track Championships, running an incredible 278km/173 miles. This was only her 2nd 24hr race and we discussed her running history and last couple of years competing which brought her to Albi, France this month. She also describes the team spirit; Sarah together with Kelsey Price (257km) and Sophie Power (233km) won the Female Te...

Lindley talks about his many and varied roles as a Race Director, Medic and Spine kit checker and route planner. His races include the Suffolk and Thetford Backyard Ultras, Thames Ring 250 (now offering alternative distances), T184 and Peddars Way. Of course we couldn’t resist talking about kit check and complications that arise from that; there’s so much misinterpretation and misinformation out t...

We talk to Keith Wigley following the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Canfranc. Although he didn't have the race he wanted, Keith shared his experience with us and ultimately helped another competitor in their race. Keith is one of a growing number of British ultra runners making their name on the mountain running scene and we look forward to following his races in the futur...

We talk to Keith Wigley following the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Canfranc. Although he didn’t have the race he wanted, Keith shared his experience with us and ultimately helped another competitor in their race. Keith is one of a growing number of British ultra runners making their name on the mountain running scene and we look forward to following his races in the future. Th...

We chat to Damo about his recent Three Solo challenge, where he tried to do the Big Three Rounds alone and unsupported on public transport. Sadly his attempt had to stop due to bad weather on the last Round in Wales. We also chatted about his win at Lakeland 100 and other running nonsense. 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow the podcast and leave a quick ra...

Jen and Sim talk about their new book, Ultra, and their fascinating back story in the running world. Their new book covers ultra races across the world, from the big well-known ones to the smaller, lesser-known but just as good races. Watch our for our review, coming soon. 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow the podcast and leave a quick rating or review; i...

We talk to Josh Wade about his incredible 3rd place at UTMB last month and discuss his progress through the years and the hard work he's put in to achieve his results. Josh talks about his training and nutrition and his ambitions for the future. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit runultra.substack.com

We talk to Josh Wade about his incredible 3rd place at UTMB last month and discuss his progress through the years and the hard work he's put in to achieve his results. Josh talks about his training and nutrition and his ambitions for the future. 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow the podcast and leave a quick rating or review; it really helps other ru...

Robin sits down with Holly Wootten, the new course record holder at the Dragon’s Back Race, Britain’s toughest multi-day mountain challenge. Holly talks us through the realities of the event, from the constantly changing Welsh terrain to the simple but testing challenges of camp life, like trying to dry kit in relentless rain. Far from being a stroke of luck, her success came from a clear plan, ca...

Robin sits down with Holly Wootten, the new course record holder at the Dragon’s Back Race, Britain’s toughest multi-day mountain challenge. Holly talks us through the realities of the event, from the constantly changing Welsh terrain to the simple but testing challenges of camp life, like trying to dry kit in relentless rain. Far from being a stroke of luck, her success came from a clear plan, ca...

We chat to RunUltra's official coaching partners Nick Hancock and Faye Johnson from Maximum Mileage Coaching. With Robin's 24 Hour track race coming up, we dive straight into top tips for his race, and then move on to female and male only groups and forums, men's mental health, and Nick's own challenge coming up next year; a crack at a sub 2:35 marathon followed 12 days later b...

Robin and Kate talk to Neil Thubron, Race Director of Extreme Energy Events. Neil started one of the first multi day events in the UK with the Pilgrim's Challenge, set up to allow entrants of the Marathon des Sables the opportunity to train with their packs over two days. We also learned about Neil's 7P Formula for Success; as always Neil was really interesting to talk to as he kindly to...

Kate chats to Ian Beattie and Adrian Stott, two pillars of the UK running community. Ian is Chairman of UK Athletics and Adrian selector and Team Manager for the Scottish and GB teams. They discuss Adrian taking over Race Directorship of the West Highland Way, which they say is the 2nd oldest ultra after Western States. Going since 1985, this iconic Scottish race has maintained its popularity and...

Alex recently completed an epic challenge - running every mountain (he summited 446 although the official figure seems to be fluid!) in England and Wales and cycling in between them in one continuous, self-propelled journey. His goal was to raise awareness and funds for his charity, Mind Over Mountains. We chatted about this huge challenge, how he prepared for it and dealt with the highs and lows...

Robin and Kate chat to Chris, who won the Montane Summer Spine Challenger South. They chat about Chris's training, in particular the modest miles he puts in to achieve such a performance. They chat about the race, his companionable racing with Mark Potts and his future plans; thus far he has won both 100 mile races he has run and he is hoping to run 13 Valleys in September.  Photo credit: Wil...

We chat to Susie Chan; a true community champion of the ultra running world, and much loved Peloton instructor, who has completed some of the world's toughest running challenges. We talk about some of the races she's completed; The Coastal Challenge and the Jungle Ultra by Beyond the Ultimate, Marathon des Sables which she has attended 4 times, and the upcoming Badwater 135. Grab a cuppa...

Kate and Robin talk to Anna after her spectacular win at the Summer Spine last week and her triumphant return to competitive running after being injured with a fractured foot for so long. We discuss the race but also how she structured her return, using the Wattbike and a bit about her past in other competitive sports and what's next on Anna's agenda. Photo credit: Will Roberts 🎙️ Thanks...

We asked Zukie on to talk about his race at UTS last month, but golly we went through everything he's done - which is a lot! This inspiring and cheerful man happily responded to our multitude of questions and annoyingly after we stopped recording we found out even more!! Which means we'll have to get him on again :) Photo credit: Ben Johnson 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in! If you enjoyed this e...