Name: Alastair Higgins

Occupation: Whiskey sales and brand curator/ stay at home Dad

Home Town: Originally from Dumfries but living in Dublin for over 20 years

Questions

What is your running background?

A familiar story. I sort of fell into it when in my late 30s and moved from 10km up to marathons and then eventually Ultras. It wasn’t until I contracted (and got cured of) Lyme Disease in 2017 that I decided to up my game and actually train properly. 

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

I think it was 2014 or 2015. I’d read Scott Jurek’s Eat and Run and thought it would be a bigger and better challenge than marathons. I was right!

When or where (at which events) are we most likely to see you?

Spartathlon, the Donadea Irish 50km Champs and the Connemara races are the ones I tend to do every year if I can. I’ve yet to make it to the start line of a Centurion event despite having signed up three times but we can blame that on Covid. 

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

I had a great year in 2019 when I got called up to run for Scotland in the Anglo Celtic Plate and finished 7^th overall. I also set my marathon pb that year and finished 4^th in Spartathlon. 

What was your hardest experience?

Most of the 24 hour events I’ve entered and Spartathlon last year! I went through a period of nearly two years struggling with stomach and gut issues. Fortunately I think I’ve solved that and can focus on running fast again.

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

It depends on the race the weather and the terrain. Sometimes I like to go out fairly fast from the get-go but in other races you really have to reign it in. 

What does a typical training week look like?

Three quality speed sessions and between 80 and 120 miles. In the weeks leading up to Spartathlon I will throw in some more hills and heat training.

What one tip would you pass onto people running an Ultra marathon for the first time?

Do your own thing and enter races that seem to be just beyond your comfort zone.

Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself;

Funk legend George Clinton once complimented me on my drumming.

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

Yes

How did you get on?

I’ve entered every year since 2018. With two top 10 finishes, one top 30 and one DNF.

What tip would you pass on to those taking part for the first time?

Be careful in the heat, try to keep cool but keep the carbs coming in. Get to the top of the mountain and you will finish. 

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

I’m more excited than ever about the race and lining up in front of the Acropolis, then of course getting to that amazing finishing straight. 

What are you not looking forward to during the Spartathlon race?

As usual, the descent off the mountain. 

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

I’ve got a new coach who has been getting me back into 2019 form. We will be doing some big, long prep runs and of course the dreaded heat training (some in a heated altitude chamber for extra suffering)

Will you be bringing any support crew to the race? (If so, please introduce them briefly)

Yes, my trusted crew man Gary Seery and the legendary Rob Pinnington.