Name: Ali Young
Occupation:
Personal Trainer and run ParkFit at Hervines Park, Amersham
Mum to Maisie (20) and Lauren (18), married to Al. Member of Chiltern Harriers AC. Coach is Robbie Britton.
Home Town: Amersham, Bucks
Questions
What is your running background?
Started running more seriously after I had my two daughters, ran my first London Marathon in 2008.
When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?
Entered MDS2013 for my 40th Birthday, saw it in Runners World mag & thought it looked fun – I absolutely loved it and met some fab people.
When or where (at which events) are we most likely to see you?
Parkrun, Chiltern Harrier events, to Centurion 100 milers. I have followed a rule for last 10 years of no more than two big races in one year.
What are your personal key running achievements to date?
Ran in 2 x European (2016 & 2018) and 2 x World Champs (2017 & 2019) 24hr events for GB. Been selected for 6 GB but two didn’t happen due to covid.
2017 – Spartathlon 10th Female (30hrs39)
2019 – GUC145 1st Female, 3rd overall (28.35)
2021 – CT100. 100mile FV45 British record holder –(15hrs41)
2022 – TP100. 1st FV45 & 3rd overall F (17hrs38)
2022 – Spartathlon 4th Female (28.57).
2023 – Crawley 24hr track race – PB 139.5miles
Very happy that I have been able to fundraise lots of money over the years with many of these races. This year I am raising money for Multiple Sclerosis https://www.justgiving.com/page/aliyoung-spartathlon2023
What was your hardest experience?
24hr track races are a whole extra level of mental pain! I did Tooting in 2015 (135miles) and Crawley 2023 (139miles). I wanted to stop most of the time!
What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?
One step at a time. Eat, drink, smile, moan. Get the job done.
What does a typical training week look like?
Mainly road running, lots of hills going towards Spartathlon, interval training, strength training. Hot yoga and saunas as event draws nearer. Really disappointed with the British sunshine this Summer, so not the heat training that I had last year.
What one tip would you pass onto people running an Ultra marathon for the first time?
Don’t overthink it. There will be ups, there will be downs – ride the waves! Eat/drink. Good sleep patterns generally help with training.
Tell us one interesting fact about you?
Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?
2017 and 2022
Where did you get your qualifier for Spartathlon:
AQ from Centurion track 100
What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?
Meeting up with old pals and making new ones. Always such a great atmosphere with the athletes and crew. Hoping everyone gets that magical Sparta finish!!
What are you not looking forward to during the Spartathlon race?
The downhill on the mountain was particularly difficult last year with the slippy rocks, so hoping I get on better this year with that section (if I get that far).
Secret Weapon?
For the last two years I have used Pura Collagen ‘Flex’ and I have found it has really helped with my recoveries. It is great to have them as a team sponsor this year and hoping the product is helping the other athletes too.
How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?
Following coach Robbie Britton’s magic.
Will you be bringing any support crew to the race? (If so, please introduce them briefly)
I have the absolute dream team of Paul Magee & Annelize Colquhoun. Ultra-running is a team sport and I couldn’t do it without them.
British Spartathlon Team 