Name: Bryan Wilkins

Occupation: Financial Services Consultant

Home Town: Wimbledon

Questions

What is your running background?

Started running ten years ago having previously been a 20 per day smoker and realising it was time to change my lifestyle. After finishing my first half marathon I was hooked and haven’t looked back since.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

First ultra was Race to the Stones, completed over 2 days in 2016. At the time, 50k per day seemed such a long way and I was completely smashed after the first day! But I loved seeing what was possible and the feeling of achievement afterwards.

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

Centurion 100 milers, road or trail marathons. Would love to do a Backyard Ultra one day!

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

Clocking up 240km in a track 24 last year then getting a marathon PB 6 weeks later!

What was your hardest experience?

Most definitely the track 24 – a real test of mental resilience!

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Run my own race, don’t go out too quickly and nail the nutrition from the start!

What does a typical training week look like?

Approx 70-80 miles per week of running , complimented with some decent strength and conditioning sessions

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

Run your own race and don’t worry what anyone else is doing – have confidence in your own strategy and pacing.

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

I love House Music – back in the day I was a DJ in Paris !

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

No

Where did you get your qualifier for Spartathlon:

Sri Chimoy Battersea 24 Hour

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

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

Following in the footsteps of Pheidippides, the amazing scenery en route and challenging myself to the absolute limit.

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

Negotiating Mount Parthenio 100 miles in!

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

Building up some decent mileage, 50KM and 100KM races and dialling in on the nutrition in training runs!

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

Yes my wife Katie and my brother in law Ed