Name: Lyndon Cooper

Occupation: Customer Service Advisor

Home Town: Bocking, Essex

Questions

What is your running background?

I first took up running in secondary school regularly running in interschool track & cross country events, as
such it wasn’t long before I joined Harlow Running Club. After leaving school there was a hiatus from running
with more time spent boozing & partying. It wouldn’t be until I turned 30 that I bought myself a new set of
kicks & rekindled my love for running once again.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

During my years at Harlow Running Club I regularly ran distances up to half marathon both on road & trails
but always with the idea of running further someday. Through word of mouth at the club I heard of a race
called the ‘Stort 30’ which ran along the river path passed our flat & in 2014 I entered. The rest as they say is
history.

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

All over the UK training or competing, mostly on lumpy trails in & around our beautifully national parks.
With such a vast choice of trail races these days & quite the list to get through, you could literally see me
anywhere.

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

I have a few top ten places I’m proud of & I most recently set a course record at the inaugural Copthorne
Races 100k race.

What was your hardest experience?

My first experience of mountain running at the OCC last year is definitely up there. The technicality of the
trails, length of climbs combined with heat throughout just can’t be replicated in Essex & were all challenges
I hadn’t encountered in a race before.

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Fuel from the start, spend as little time as possible in aid stations & run your own race.

What does a typical training week look like?

During training I aim for consistency over mileage but usually run around 50 – 70 mile weeks on trails with a bit
of speed work, hills & a long run at the weekend.

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

Everyday is a school day even when you run ultras. Don’t be afraid to ask people for advice, it’s a friendly &
helpful community where people are always happy to help.

The hardest part is pressing enter on your first.
Remember…
If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

I ran a backyard marathon in our 6 metre garden back in 2020 raising £1000 for the NHS during lockdown.

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

No

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

Soaking up every last drop of the whole experience throughout. The journey from Athens to Sparta is really
is going to be a race for the senses & one I’ll never forget.

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

Hot tarmac… miles upon miles of hot tarmac.

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

I was hoping for long hot summer road runs in the UK but as that hasn’t materialised (summer I mean) then I
guess I’ll be heading to the local sauna.

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

No