Name: Gary Tuttle

Occupation: Electrician

Home Town: Wokingham

Questions

What is your running background?

I used to run 800m, 1500m and cross-country at school, then nothing until after watching a friend run London Marathon in 2013. It looked fun, so I entered the ballot for 2014 and ended up getting a place. I had 6 months to start running and train, it went so well I decided to carry on running races! 

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

My friend gave me lots of books about runners, one of them being Ultra Marathon Man by Dean Karnazes. I wondered if I could run 100 miles so entered TP100 in 2016 

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

I’ve mainly done Centurion races but enjoy running anything from Parkruns up!

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

Centurion Double Slam 2022 and Endure24 Reading 2^nd place.

What was your hardest experience?

Centurions Wendover Woods 100 mile 2023. 10x 10 mile laps, I was willing a tree to fall on me so I didn’t need to continue from the 2^nd lap until lap 8 when the end was in sight.

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Start near the back and take it slowly. Just keep moving forwards and spend as little time in an aid station as possible.

What does a typical training week look like?

I tend to run between 5-7 days a week and between 70-90 miles. Mid-week runs tend to be after work and weekends I try and get up early to get it out of the way and spend the rest of the weekend with my wife.

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

Don’t go out too fast and be quick in the aid stations. You don’t need to sit down to eat and drink – every step you take is one step closer to the finish.

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

As part of the Centurion Double Slam I raised almost £30k for Tommys baby loss charity.

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

No

How did you get on?

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?

The atmosphere, mythology and excitement of the race. Meeting some of the best ultra runners. Kissing the foot of King Leonidas.

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

The heat and trying to stay cool.

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

Lots of tarmac running and running in layers to mimic some heat training.

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

Yes. My wife Trinity who crews at most of my races, and our good friend Clare who has also supported us during the Double Slam.