Name: Chris Maxwell

Occupation: Safety & Environment Director for train operator GWR

Home Town: Chippenham

Questions

What is your running background?

Loved running as a child and joined my local athletics club (Yeovil Olympaids) as soon as they would allow (aged 10). Competed on the track (middle distance) and cross country for my club, county and universities (Leeds and Oxford).

As I got older (in my twenties!), I took on longer distances culminating in a 2hr34 London marathon debut.

I started to pick up injuries (especially Achilles) and wanted a new challenge – which resulted in a 20 year obsession with triathlon and especially Ironman! 

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

My wife Michelle chose ultras over triathlon as her next challenge after marathons! I have crewed her many times and ultimately this led to her inspiring me to give them a try. I started with a few endurancelife coastal 30 milers for triathlon winter training.

This then led to the White Horse 50 (local to me) and then to the Grand Union canal (just to go longer than Michelle!).

We have an ongoing ‘tongue in cheek’ argument as to what’s harder – an Ironman or an ultra! Don’t tell anyone but I think anything over 50miles is probably harder than an Ironman…

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

 I love point to point races, especially iconic events – hence my interest in Spartathlon!

 I still like mixing up swim-bike-run, so no doubt I will continue with triathlons. Over the next few years you are probably more likely to see me supporting my amazing and talented children compete in athletics, cross country and Triathlon – it seems my passion has rubbed off on them! 

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

I’m still proud of my achievements as a younger athlete, such as becoming South West 1500m champion and my PBs across 10km to marathon (didn’t seem fast at the time but would love to get anywhere near them now!).

In most recent years – winning my first 50miler and completing the Grand Union Canal ultra as a relatively inexperienced ultra runner stands out. If I’m allowed triathlon achievements- realising a long standing dream of competing the Kona Hawaii Ironman last year, and finishing 7th in the age group ITU World long course championships in 2019 are highlights.

What was your hardest experience?

Ironman Wales in 2018 when I had an allergic reaction to a jellyfish sting in the swim, followed by near hypothermia on the bike from torrential rain. My toughest marathon ever followed – one I probably shouldn’t have continued- but I got the end (alive)!

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

I’m still learning to be fair – mainly trying to control the early pace (keeping a close eye on HR) such that I can tolerate nutrition later on! 

What does a typical training week look like?

I still train like a triathlete which helps reduce load on the legs and keep a good all round fitness. In the 2 months leading into an ultra I’ll up the running to around 60-70miles, with back to back long runs at the weekend. I often train early in the morning to fit it in around a busy work and family life. 

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

Find the right race for you (length, support, terrain). Practice nutrition and have a few options for when the stomach turns – and if/when you’re sick, try to get calories back in! Seek advice especially on pacing from experienced runners – and perhaps a coach – I know a good one…!

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

I have a PhD in Chemistry from Oxford – synthesising Ecuadorian tree frog poison 

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

No

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

The buzz and anticipation of the start, passing the Corinth canal and most probably the finish!

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

I’m fully expecting various challenges such as heat, and inevitable ‘dark’ periods, that will need huge determination to overcome…

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

Nothing too different from previous ultras, ensuring i get appropriate elevation in. I trained for Hawaii by use of saunas and overdressing while training, so will use similar heat adaption tactics (though the local leisure centres have closed their saunas to save money). 

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

Yes my wife (and coach) Michelle and 13th at old daughter Sophie