Name: Dave Stuart

Occupation: Actuary

Home Town: Woldingham

Questions

What is your running background?

My parents were in a running club and I used to run a bit at school and uni. I then got into triathlon eventually doing an Iron distance triathlon. 

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

I was out for a walk near home and saw signs for Centurion running on the North Downs Way. I looked them up when I got home and figured I might run the marathon event or possibly even the 50 one day…. 

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

Generally trail 100s – I’ve done 16 Centurion events including 8xTP100 so next to a river or canal. I’ve also done a few mountain events too but mainly it is Southern England trail races 

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

Finishing the Centurion 100 grand slam in 2016, breaking 20 hours at the TP100 to qualify for Spartathlon, and running Western States & UTMB in the same year. I’ve also managed to finish at least one 100 miler every year since 2015.

The longest thing I’ve done is finishing Lon Las – 253 miles unsupported from the top of Wales to Cardiff 

But arguably the most impressive is coming second in the Spartan mile – 1’22” for a barefoot 400m the day after finishing Spartathlon 

What was your hardest experience?

My DNF the first time I attempted Lon Las. It was fine for the first 60 miles and then a storm came in and absolutely battered me as I ran along the Welsh coastline. I dropped after 100 miles which was as far as I had ever run at that point 

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Run-walk from early on and not worry too much about everyone else going faster than me 

What does a typical training week look like?

I try to run about an hour a day with maybe a 2 hour run at the weekend. I average about 40-50 miles a week but it has been enough for me to get round some quite tough races 

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

Don’t do it… Also be nice to the volunteers. It will make you feel better and the races wouldn’t happen without them 

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

I won an episode of the Channel 4 quiz show 15-to-1 

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

Yes

How did you get on?

Finish in 2023

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

If you are just aiming to finish, don’t worry about being right at the back at the start. I was one of the last runners over the mountain but finished with an hour to spare after a strong second day.

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

The start by the Acropolis and getting to the Corinth canal 

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

The first 20k. It is along a busy motorway and I will probably be right at the back of the field.

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

I ran SDW100 this year which was good prep but nothing particularly different to usual 

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

No