Name: Bryan Wilkins

Occupation: Financial Services Consultancy

Home Town: Winchester

Questions

What is your running background?

Started running ten years ago having previously been a 20+ per day smoker and realising it was time for a lifestyle change! 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 warm, fuzzy feeling of achievement after.

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

Pretty varied really – 50kms to 100 milers and usually at least one speedy road marathon per year. We recently moved down to Winchester and having the South Downs on the doorstep is a dream!

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

Clocking up 240km in a track 24 couple of years ago

What was your hardest experience?

The Spartathlon last year – running all day in the heat took its toll and the wheels came off good and proper!

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Run my own race, nail the nutrition and in the words of Take That “Have a little Patience”!

What does a typical training week look like?

Approx 70-80 miles per week of running, on the roads or the SDW with some strength and conditioning.

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

Break the race down into small chunks, try to stay in the moment and enjoy every minute of it!

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?

Yes – last year!

How did you get on?

Delighted to get around despite multiple attempts to throw in the towel – thankfully my crew were having none of it! Vowed never to return but took all of a day to change my tune!

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

I’ll always remember the wise words of our friends at Camino Ultra who coached me to my first finish last year. Not a lot those guys don’t know about this great event and they advocated for a sensible start, keeping plenty of energy in the tank. Of course, I did the exact opposite and paid dearly!  

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

The finish in Sparta and being able to run it home with my 7-year-old nephew and 5-year-old niece

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

Trying to get some sleep the night before the race!

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

Some decent mileage on the road and trails, practising nutrition and getting out in that heat!

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

Katie – my superstar wife! Ed – my brother in law and chief in race strategist! My sister and law, niece and nephew will be lead cheer crew!