Name: Marsh Pullen

Occupation: Project Manager

Home Town:  Barnstaple (North Devon)

Questions

What is your running background?

I started running when I was 30 partly as a bet with my Brother-in-law (who fancied himself as a Marathon runner at the time) and partly because my eldest Son had just been born and I didn’t want to be a “fat dad” who couldn’t play football or keep up with my children. I hated running at first and couldn’t even make it to the end of the road but I’d entered a half marathon with my Bro-in-law so I had to do it, on the day I said to my wife “once I finish this I’m done with running!” but when I crossed the finish line of my first race it was like a
lighting bolt moment and I couldn’t wait till the next one, from there I went on to Marathon and to Ultras and am still trying to find out how far and how fast I can go!

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

My first proper ultra (that is not including 50k’s) was the 12 hour Dartmoor prison break where I ran from Dartmoor prison to home in Barnstaple I covered 54 miles and didn’t feel to bad, buoyed on from my success I entered the Kennet and Avon Canal Race a few weeks later because it said “no previous experience necessary” that turned out to be the hardest experience of my life but it didn’t deter me, It made me train harder for the next one!

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

I’m lucky to live in North Devon which is an amazing part of the world, we have some amazing scenery and running routes so I like to keep it local, I love the South West Coast Path, Dartmoor, Exmoor and even stray into Cornwall and Somerset now and then so any Marathon or Ultra in the South West I’ve probably done or plan to do.

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

I guess qualifying for Spartathlon!?! And hopefully converting it into a finish!

What was your hardest race experience?

Like most runners I’ve had lots of tough races and I relish the challenge, i love it when the weather turns really hot/ cold/ wet/ windy and your race plan goes out the window because that’s when you have to adapt and so it’s hard to pick a hardest cos they’re all hard and if they weren’t it wouldn’t be worth doing!

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Start steady, eat as much as I can and never give up!

What does a typical training week look like?

I’m fortunate that my work has showers and locker room and I live close enough to run everyday so my commute takes care of the bulk of my mileage which is typically 80-90 miles a week, up to 120 miles if I can get away with it! I literally do nothing else and although people tell me I should cross train and do more S&C the reality is I just love to run so if I ever get a spare 5 mins I can’t help myself!

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

It sounds cliché but when you’re in a tough spot and all you want to do is quit, DON’T! Take a minute, have a drink/ some food/ a cry whatever you need and then carry on.

Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself?

I’m a Mini fanatic, I have a Classic Mini Cooper and a modern one, I met my wife because she had a mini too and we even had mini’s on our wedding cake, I will never not have a mini!

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

No

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

The experience, and the finish line!

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

The cut offs I think.

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

It’s been my focus all year, so I’ve planned all my other races and training around it.

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

No