Name: Andrew McKillop

Occupation: Surveyor

Home Town: St Albans

Questions

What is your running background?

I’ve always played sport but as my undistinguished football career came to a close, I took up running more seriously, enjoying anything from 5kms to marathons.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

Every year my running club put on a 12hr, 4mile looped event that goes within 400m of my front door. Back in 2016 it was my gateway drug.

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

Centurion Thames Path or Lakeland 100, I find that there are numerous transferable skills between the two courses !

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

It’s difficult to pick a one off event but for longevity it would be 5 successful completions of the Lakeland 100.  Turning up in various states of experience, fitness, preparedness and weathers, and making it round each time.

What was your hardest experience?

Badwater.  By about 25 miles in my “tank” felt completely empty. 

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

I try to balance my expectations with my abilities.  I’ve not really cracked that yet though.

What does a typical training week look like?

Probably more marathon specific, 70-80 miles with some speedwork or MP sections amongst a long run, medium long run and easier runs.

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

Don’t listen to me, I’m still learning.

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

Excuse the BIRGing but I’ve played in the same football team as a European Golden Boot winner.  Sadly, it wasn’t Messi or Thierry Henry.

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

Yes

How did you get on?

Delighted to have finished back in 2021. For the record, 34hrs 38mins 18s

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

Don’t miss your flight, unless you have extensive experience in missing flights.  That aside, it’s easy to be overwhelmed and feel a bit of imposter syndrome.  As another team member said to me, you’ve qualified to be here, you’ve earned the right to be here.

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

Honestly, just about everything.  

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

That moment of dawning realisation that I’ve emptied the tank ridiculously early.

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

Sauna training and watching youtube videos.

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

No