Name: Andrew McKillop

Occupation: Chartered Surveyor

Home Town: St Albans

Questions

What is your running background?

I was one of those who enjoyed running at school. With no sprint (and still no sprint) I leaned towards 1500m and x-country. I ran the London Marathon in 1994 to scratch an itch, disappeared into football for 17 years then came back into running.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

My running club put on the St Albans Stampede, a 12hr looped endurance run that goes within 400m of my house. I thought that when things went south, I could walk home in 5 minutes. I surprised myself by staying on course for the whole 12hrs.

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

I love the Centurion Races although I haven’t attended as many recently as I would like. Having run 6 of the last 7 Lakeland 100s, I’m likely to be found in Coniston, late July

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

Qualifying for the London Marathon Champs start was something I never thought possible so is up there performance wise. Equally, the fortune to complete some of my bucket list ultras, which I initially thought I had no business of even entering.

What was your hardest experience?

Running from security to gate at Stansted Airport clutching all my metal possessions including my trouser belt.
I missed the plane but maintained my dignity.
Race wise, Badwater. There was a point I remember feeling close to keeling over. I’d like to say I got my head up and powered through but in reality I probably moped about for the next 15 hrs or so. One of my crew joked it was the closest he had come to punching me in the face in 30 years. I think he was joking.

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

I try to have A,B,C goals. C being, doing my best on the day, enjoy what I can and be grateful to be there.

What does a typical training week look like?

Probably more marathon specific, 60-70 miles with a club track session and a long run, with easier runs making up the balance

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

When it gets tough, as it surely will, get your head up and take it all in. Obviously works better in more scenic locations. Milton Keynes at midnight, you have to use your imagination a bit.

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

I’ve appeared at The Royal Courts of Justice.

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

Two finishes, 2021 and 2023 and one DNF 2024.

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

Try not to be overwhelmed and try to suck in as much of the experience as possible.

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

The modern bits, the ancient bits, the sights, sounds and smells, all of it.

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

Those few minutes just before the start when self-doubt creeps in and Captain Imposter-Syndrome rears his head.

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

Saunas and a few training marathons

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

Yes, Rob and Chrissy P. I’m determind to give them a finish this year.