Name: Ivor Hewitt

Occupation: Software developer

Home Town: Oxted, Surrey

Questions

What is your running background?

I actively* avoided any form of sport my entire life until I was turning 40 when I started short lunchtime jogging to attempt to lose weight.
*I really mean actively – at school I discovered shooting was classified as a sport and could get me out of running.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

Early in my running journey I bumped into a group of runners wearing race numbers on the North Downs and asked what was going on, I’d not heard of ultramarathons before. I dipped my toe in the sport and got carried away discovering that I really enjoyed it and was quite good at it.

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

I love marking the Centurion race routes, so you often won’t see me because I’ll have been and gone before anyone starts. But I love running anything from a 2mile run, a parkrun up to an ultra. I love mud and hills.

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

Joint second place Centurion Piece of String 2019.
Crawley 24hr 2021 – so proud to have got a small prize.

What was your hardest experience?

GUCR 2023 – after a previous failure was determined to finish this time, but was coming into the race off the back of an injury, I got lost – ran along the wrong canal for an hour, tripped half way and put a big hole in my leg, suffered in the heat but got to the “start” (reverse course year)

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Start steady and try to slow down as little as possible, try to not waste any time at aid stations, being as self sufficient as possible, and always keep moving forwards.

What does a typical training week look like?

I get the bulk of my training whilst commuting into London, so it’s frequently runs to/from various train stations at various distances from the office through the week. Then some weekend long runs in the North Downs. Recently thrown in some gym work to fine tune my twiglet physique for the Spartan mile, apparently this is not working.

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

Start slow and steady and don’t get carried away because you ‘feel fantastic’ at the start.

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

Just as I was “feeling 100% fit and race ready” in 2018 I had a major accident and fractured my skull. It took several years to get back from that, but it has really changed my perspective on life and I feel I’m mentally stronger than ever now.

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

No, but all my running heroes seem to have done it. I’m both terrified and excited being part of the British Spartathlon team.

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?

Seeing and meeting so many people I’ve heard of but not met before. And the mountain, I’m looking forward to the mountain.

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

I’m scared of getting lost, I have form for getting lost. Oh and roads, I hate running on roads, or in the heat….no I’m not sure why I thought this was a good idea.

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

Trying to get used to heat – I’d been hoping for a summer heatwave – instead I expect I’ll be out running in three layers and a hoodie. I’ve been working with my coach Wendy Whearity through this year and mostly been doing what I’ve been told.

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

Yes! Cara my wife and Hugo my son, Cara has supported me many times before and knows exactly what state I’m in and what I need. I’ve been trying to talk Hugo into taking on an ultra, hopefully the atmosphere and experience will tip him over the edge.