Name: Chris Sayles

Occupation: Power Station Shift Leader 

Home Town:  Scunthorpe

Questions

What is your running background?

Very little up until 2015, a couple of 10km events and a half marathon in my first 35 years on the planet.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

Started running Ultras in 2015. Around this time I became aware of the UTMB and began plotting a course to the ballot through qualifying events.

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

100+ miles, have done a few Cockbain Events in recent years.

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

Only finisher in 2024 edition of The Viking Way Ultra (Cockbain Events). Weather was a bit rough over that weekend, but kit held up and I managed to get to the end in several pieces!

What was your hardest race experience?

DNF on The Line 300 in 2023. My head went 80 odd miles into it and pulling the plug at a Petrol station in Louth.

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Start off steady and look to finish strong. Will have to go out harder than normal to meet Spartathlon cut-offs, so i’ll be out of my comfort zone on this one.

What does a typical training week look like?

40-50 miles in the build up to an event. Normally made up of a 20 miler and runs to work (7 miles each way).

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

Don’t panic when the wheels start to come off! The mind will try anything to get you to stop, but things generally sort themselves out if you can keep moving.

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

No

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

The atmosphere and opportunity to run an iconic route.

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

Tight cut-offs and excessive heat if it’s a hot year.

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

Running at hottest parts of the day in race kit and sauna sessions closer to the event.

Look to build pace with Spartathlon cut-offs in mind.

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

No