Profile

Name: Ali Young

Occupation: Personal Trainer and run ParkFit at Hervines Park, Amersham 

Home Town: Amersham, Bucks 

Questions

What is your running background?

Started running after I had my two daughters, ran my first London Marathon in 2008 and have since done 10 London’s. 

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

Entered MDS2013 for my 40^th 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 to Centurion.  This year alone I’ve done a track 800m &1500m, parkrun, track 5000m, road 10km, half, marathon and 100 miler. 

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. PB 135miles.  Been selected for 6 GB but two didn’t happen due to covid. 

100mile FV45 British record holder – 2021 CT100 (15hrs41) 

1^st FV45 & 3^rd overall F at 2022 TP100 (17hrs38) 

1^st Female, 3^rd overall GUC145 2019 (28.35) 

10^th Female Spartathlon 2017 (30hrs39)

What was your hardest experience?

 Tooting 24hr for sheer mental torture and GUCR145 and Spartathlon I said I would never do again, they are such a looooonnnnggg way!!  What have I gone and done!! 

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Smile lots, Moan loads more….Get the job done. 

What does a typical training week look like?

Train 6 days a week. Only run long when I have to as event specific.  Over the year, average mileage is around 35miles closer to 60 when required.  Strength training. 

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

Don’t overthink it. Eat/drink.  Good sleep patterns generally help with training. 

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

Yes 2017

Where did you get your qualifier for Spartathlon:

AutoQualifier = Centurion 100

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

The people through the week and the party after….hoping that the whole British team gets that finisher!!  Come on everyone!!! 

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

That point in the race when my body remembers how hard it was last time. 

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

Following coach Robbie Britton’s magic…no pressure Robbie J 

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, Sarah Magee & Annelize Colquhoun.  Ultra-running is a team sport and I couldn’t do it without them.