Name: Daniel Morris

Occupation: Scrum master

Home Town: Falkirk

Questions

What is your running background?

Having trained most of my life (Rugby / Rowing), I moved to Glasgow in 2016… I found a love of nonsense and partied for near enough 18 months straight. And then one day, it dawned on me that I had a huge gaping hole in my life.  

On Sunday evening after a long weekend of nothing very healthy in 2018, my mate randomly asked to do an Ironman with him. I agreed and then searched what this entailed…. and so began my running career. I did my first Ironman in New Zealand. Prior to the Ironman event itself, the longest I’d run was 9 miles… and then I got addicted to the suffering.  

Since then, I’ve done a couple of ultras and lots of long multi day expeditions with my partner in crime (who also got into Spartathlon this year!) 

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

My first ultra was in late 2021 – Grand Trail Costa Blanca. I realised that I much prefer a long gentle trot compared to the pace of shorter races and loved the adventure and journey that you go on with Ultras.  

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

Long hilly ultras in the Alps or somewhere in a mountain. 

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

1. Qualifying for Spartathlon with a 12 hour 120km 

2. Val d’Aran 2024 – ran for a full 21 hours with a completely empty head (either transcendental meditation or just lacking brain cells?!) 

What was your hardest experience?

My first Ultra in Costa Blancs. That first 30k through the night was seriously tough. Contemplated breaking my leg just so I could justify stopping… thankfully the cookie jar paid off: daylight came and I went on to finish in a state of elation.  

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Cruise and enjoy myself. I treat every ultra as a big day out full of adventure and possibility. The lack of pleasure seems to make it more enjoyable.  

What does a typical training week look like?

Bit of Yoga, bit of sauna, some long runs, some hills, eating percy pigs 🐷, accompanied by my rocket of a dog.  

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

Enjoy yourself and find beauty in the suffering.  

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

Nope, first time! And I cannot wait. 

How did you get on at Spartathlon?

N/A

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?

All of it – it’s going to be tough and it’s going to be a big sweaty adventure.  

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

Nothing – it’s all par for the course

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

I’ve been living in fleeces and extra layers all through summer. It’s a sweaty business. Between that and doing more miles than I have ever done previously.  

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

Crew – my mum and my partner. I’ll be racing with my best mate. 
 
Mum – Sarah Gibb. Will likely be offering Yoga sessions to runners at the rest stops. I think my grit and determination came from this woman. 

Fiancée – Penny Cobham. The most tolerant and tolerable woman I have met.  

Best Mate – Alex Fokas. This will be our last race together for a while so looking forward to completing the suffering together.