Name: Jamie Maker 

Occupation: Advertising

Home Town: Walton on Thames

Instagram: 

Website/Blog: 

Questions

What is your running background?

Got in to triathlons after quitting football in my early 30s and escalated from there!

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

I did my first Ironman in 2016 and had a shocker. I felt particularly annoyed with my run and knew I was better than that. So I ran a standalone marathon a few weeks later to see how I would do, and did another marathon the next day. After telling my South African colleague at work about these two marathons, they said I should do Comrades.

Something I had never heard of… after checking it out, I entered and ran it the next year. My first Ultra and I haven’t looked back!

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

I love a trail race. So typically you’ll see me in UK ultra trail races – and sometimes in the mountains in Europe as well.

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

I think of my achievements in terms of a well-executed event and where I cross the line with a smile on my face, rather than the time it took me.

This year (2025) I had two events (Arc of Attrition 100 and Trail d’Alscace 100)
that I really enjoyed and felt great at the end. In recent years, I am proud of finishing Marathon des Sables and the Dragon’s Back race. Two completely different events that took a lot to get done.

What was your hardest experience?

Has to be Marathon des Sable. The super hot year was super tough as I was ill and not able to eat all week.
That was a long slog!

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

First and foremost: Enjoy the experience and enjoy being outdoors. The result will take care of itself. And in order to enjoy it, I need to start slow and remember to eat. I also like to take photos so I do stop quite a bit to take it all in.

What does a typical training week look like?

Always one long run, on race specific terrain (so lots of tarmac at the moment) and making sure I have hills (I am someone who likes hills). One or two shorter, faster sessions. One strength/core session, and the rest easy.

Work dictates when and where I get my runs done, but will be running at least 6 times during the week. Possibly with a cycle or two in there as well.

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

Enjoy the experience! Definitely think about the finish line, not the finish time.

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

My birth name is Jamie Fox… not Jamie Maker

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?

Just being part of such an amazing event – soaking up the international vibe and seeing how much the locals get involved.

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

 The heat!

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

Lots of running on tarmac. Lots of training the stomach to take on the calories I need. And heat training, of course (overdressed runs and saunas).

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

Nope.