Name: Laura Watts

Occupation: Flight Service Manager, Virgin Atlantic Airways

Home Town: nr Chichester, West Sussex

Questions

What is your running background?

I was in the cross country and athletics (800m and 1500m) teams at school but when I went to watch the London Marathon in 2002 for the first time I was inspired and ran it for the first time in 2003.

At the time I thought that was a one off but fast forward to 2006 when I returned from living in Australia for a year and had put on two stone in weight, I decided I needed to start running again!

For several years I just ran one marathon a year until I did two in one year in 2015 then three in 2016 then the rest is running history! I have now run 148 marathons and ultras.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

I remember learning about Ultra marathons and thinking the people that ran them were super human. Then in 2016 I decided to have a go myself, thinking what’s the worst that can happen!

I ran the London to Brighton Challenge which was 100k and I actually did quite well and loved it! The feeling of achievement when I finished was incredible and I was instantly hooked! Then I just wanted to challenge myself more and more and see what my human body and mind was capable of.

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

I live on the south coast so do a lot of my running either along the beach or on the trails of the south downs. I use marathons as training runs now so do quite a few of the timed events by Phoenix Running along the River Thames. I’m also a regular at Centurion Running Events and later this year I will be running the Daytona 100 and the Keys100 in 2024. I like the heat!

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

I am a two time consecutive Badwater 135 Finisher (2022 and 2023) and have just returned from Death Valley as I write this. This year I finished Badwater 4 hours quicker than I did in 2022!

I won the Leeds Liverpool Canal Race (130 miles) in 2022 and the Kennet and Avon Canal Race (145 miles) in 2019.
I have run 11 100 mile plus races and I am proud of them all. I have also ran 12 marathons in 12 days and 52 marathons in 52 weeks.

What was your hardest experience?

That’s a difficult question to answer as most ultras I have run have had really hard sections where I have had to dig deep. The Keys100 for the continuous and savage humidity in high heat conditions was a hard race especially as I suffered with some serious chaffing which looked like 3rd degree burns all round my middle, Badwater 135 for being boiled alive especially for the Panamint Valley section followed by the Father Crowley 12 mile climb in 53oC/ 124oF in the 2022 race and the Bognor 10k which reminded me just how much short races can hurt!!

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

One foot in front of the other, keep moving forward and don’t look back unless you are being chased!

What does a typical training week look like?

Due to work its hard to follow a predictable pattern as for me its more about how I’m feeling after long haul flying but I do like to mix it up a lot. Short runs, long runs, HIIT training on my Peloton tread, hiking and I run overseas a lot.

My favourite running city is New York where most weeks you will find me running along the Hudson River either down to the Brooklyn Bridge or up to Central Park. Failing that my other playground is the South Downs.

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

Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself and sign up for your first ultra. Don’t go off too quick as people like me like to reel you in! Just take it really steady as you have a long way to go and unless you are an elite runner, hike the hills as running up them is a waste of effort. I find I can hike almost as quick as some people can run.

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

I am a skin cancer survivor! In 2018 I was diagnosed with stage 2 skin cancer on my leg and have just received my 5 year all clear from my surgeon!

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

No –

I am so excited and honoured to be part of the British Spartathlon Team
for 2023.

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

Making the 50 mile cut off! And being presented with the crown of thorns at the finish line!

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

Not making the 50 mile cut off!

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

I’m putting that plan together now! But I will be following a similar training format to that of Badwater 135 with some variations.

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

Yes – my husband Matthew. He is very experienced in supporting me in all my ultras and is my number one fan. I couldn’t do these races without him.