Profile

Name: Andy ‘Daysey’ Day

Occupation: Secret Squirrel (Police trainer)

Home Town: Mansfield

Questions

What is your running background?

Racing cyclist, to duathlete, to triathlete, to Ironman, to double Ironman, to Ultra runner from around 2015.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

I started in around 2014/15 & as with Triathlon, I wanted to see how how / long I could go. I like to keep writing cheques, until the body can’t cash them

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

There are sooooo many great races out there, I generally try to keep trying something new. However this is my 5th time at Spartathlon (like I said, it’s a boomerang race) 

I do like to race abroad / in the heat. I work better on solar power 

I ran Keys100 in 2023, Badwater in 2025 & Sedona Canyons 125 this year. 

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

Completing 4 Spartathlons, Badwater135, winning Keys100 in 2023 & 4th at Sedona Canyons 125 this May. 

What was your hardest experience?

I have to say Badwater135 in 2024. That was a hard day at the office. Really pleased to push through & get a decent position.

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

In the early days is was to go off far to fast, moan at myself when I realised I was running too fast & then hang on like a dog. 

Thankfully I have learned the hard way & I now start off easy, well within myself, hold back & try to enjoy the journey early on. This has helped, as I’m now able to run stronger towards the end. However it still really hurts & I have to hang on like a dog

What does a typical training week look like?

Depends on the time of year & race I’m working towards. On average probably 50 miles a week, 60-80 in race season & a couple of 100mile weeks leading up to Spartathlon.

For me personally, I find I struggle to recover if I do more than 100 miles in training. Everybody is different though. 

Ideally some core work aswell. In the ‘off’ season I do revert back to a bit of a ‘Gym monkey’ in an attempt to bulk back up a little.

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

Don’t go off too fast! Enjoy the journey & smile. �� (something I’m still learning, when it hurts)
Remember, you’ve paid to do this!!

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

I’m David Bone’s No. 1 Fan x

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

Yes

How did you get on?

2019 – 30.40
2021 – 29.27

2022 – 27.57

2024 – DNF

2025 – 29:08

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

It’s a long way & the race doesn’t start until after the mountain. Its easy to get sucked into the atmosphere & set off like you’re in a 10k. Hold back, acknowledge all the support along the way, high five the school kids that line up along the road, take in the smell of oil (if you know…. You know )

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

A fifth finish & PB (PMA!!)
Meeting up with old crazy gang Spartathlon runners / crew & all the new ones that will ALL kiss the foot (PMA!!)
This historic race is like no other. It’s the boomerang race. It just draws you back
Looking forward to seeing the ‘newbies’ realise their dreams.
THE SPARTA UNDERPANTS MILE BAAAAABY!! (Or the Max Wall funny walk contest) This is an
unofficial event the morning after the race on the 400m track. Great fun….

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

I know what’s coming & im looking forward to it all!

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

It’s been back to the mountains for me this & im really enjoying it. This will probably be my last Spartathlon. I have a couple of races in ‘the hills’ then I’ll be focusing on road miles, but also focusing on hill work. 

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

‘The wife’ Diane ‘Diddy’ Day – Never leave home without one! She is my voice of reason, my extra gear, the one to tell me to ‘suck it up’ & get on with it, my number one fan who always believes in me & my crazy race plans & allows me never to grow up.

Also my friend & leg end Graeme Boxall will be coming out fur the second year running. He’s a tool guy & knows just when to interject & when to ‘give me a moment’