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?

Back in 2016, 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.  Lakeland 100 has become an annual pilgrimage, and I do like a city marathon too so it could be the hills or the streets.

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?

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.

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?

You’re at the start of a journey, enjoy as much of it as you can.

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

I ran out of interesting facts back in 2021.  I was once refereed by Michael Oliver.

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

Three finishes, 2021, 2023, 2025 and one almost finish in 2024.

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

Heat train (saunas).  Try not to be overwhelmed by it all, although I should heed my own advice.

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

All of it, to borrow the film name, it really is “A Life in a Day”.

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

Getting to the pre-race bus on time.  I think I mask it quite well, but I really struggle with timeliness.

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

Making the most of the heatwaves, 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 Peter, both previous finishers.