Name: Karl Baxter

Occupation: Fuel Tanker Driver

Home Town: Wisbech

Questions

What is your running background?

TBH I was let’s say a rebal child and was always running away from the police and they couldn’t catch me …ended up in a school for naughty kids where I entered an orienteering race at 14 and won it that’s how I started running. 

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

Did my first Ultra in 2014 Grimreaper 40 miles why because I had done the London Marathon 4 times whilst in the Army and just wanted to go a little further….it absolutely killed me but 3 days later I was looking for the next one…

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

 Cockbain Events (most of Marks events)and Challenge Running events (Suffolk Back Yard Ultra/Flitch Way)

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

Completing The Tunnel and the National 3 Peaks Ultra 

What was your hardest experience?

Doing the Everesting challenge in Wales 30 miles up and 30 miles down hardest thing ever!!

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

I’m not the fastest so start slow and stay slow and eat and eat and eat .

What does a typical training week look like?

Anywhere between 50- 70 miles, I’ve started lots more strength training along with swimming. Some weeks hardly any training due to work.

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

Enjoy yourself and keep smiling the pain won’t last forever. 

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

Once got absolutely smashed on Vodka with Liam Gallagher so drunk fell of the stool in Camden Town (Happy days).

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

No

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

The whole atmosphere,  The experience and a new level of pain 

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

A whole new level of pain.

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

I’ve done a few 100+ runs this year, now concentrating on speed and strength training. Lots of runs with layers and saunas.

Word from Karl on our Sponsor Pura:

I’ve been taking Puracollagen for about 2 months now and I’ve noticed a considerable difference in my recovery time and less aches in my joints I’ve noticed a big improvement! I add it to my coffee in the morning and to my drinks whilst exercising. For me it’s an excellent addition to my nutrition and recovery and performance management.

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

Yes …Kerry my Girlfriend/Partner she’s loves the stats.