James Ellis
Runners Information
Your Name: James Ellis
Occupation: Journalist/PR and PT/Nutrition Therapist
Home Town: Leeds
Runners Questions
What is your running background?
Good(ish) at school where I had to run cross country to get into the football team (it was a small school, so it was a kind of bribe to make us run). Then I did bugger all for about 20 years. I’m the proverbial middle aged bloke who re-discovered fitness into his 40s, did a three-mile-a-day challenge every day for a year, then read Ultramarathon Man/Born To Run/Eat and Run (delete as appropriate) and got into ultra running.
When did you start running Ultra marathons and why?
Three pals David Bone, Darren Strachan and Jamie Holmes – all also running Spartathlon this year – convinced me to run the Brighton Marathon one week, the London Marathon the next… and run Brighton to London in the middle of the week. It was self-organised (read badly) but we did the 56 or so miles in about 12 hours, had a laugh on the way and talked about what else we could do. Someone mentioned Spartathlon and we decided to go straight for it. Two years later, I was lining up in Athens for my first tilt (2015).
What are your key personal running achievements to date?
Those who have not yet done it won’t get this until 7pm on September 30, 2017…. There is no greater race in the world than Spartathlon. Finishing two years running is the absolute best thing I’ve done and can only be beaten by doing the triple.
What was your hardest race experience?
Any really. Like most people, I battle with the demon on one shoulder telling me to stop, that this sport is crazy. Overall though, 2015, my first Spartathlon finish now looks like a complete fluke. I’d done the miles, but had bad shoes, no blister strategy, nutrition went up the spout and I got the most massive blisters after it chucking it down for most of the night. I hobbled in, death marching the last 50 miles, and despite a 35,35 finish, just had to do it again. I felt I’d cheated myself and the race.
What events do you have planned for 2017 up to Spartathlon?
World 24 Hour Champs, KACR.
What does a typical training week look like?
In the two months before I do 5 x 10 miles in the week with a big run, anything from 20-40 at weekends. I also teach Insanity Live, so two to three classes a week and the odd weights session if I can get it in.
Which one tip would you pass onto people running an Ultra marathon for the first time?
Lap up the support of your fellow runners. With the odd exception, it’s an amazing community.
Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself?
I’ve shadow boxed with Muhammad Ali.
Spartathlon Questions
Have you taken part in Spartathlon before?
Twice – 2015 and 2016.
How did you get on?
35.35 and 35.05
What tip would you pass on to those taking part for the first time?
Don’t be scared by the ‘fast’ pace to Corinth. Much of that is run in the morning when it’s a bit cooler so you can gain time there, then slow down for the second marathon. As long as you get to the checkpoint with 30 or so to spare (and I’ve seen it done with less), you can start to pick up time pretty quickly: up to five to 10 minutes per checkpoint if you’re running at even a trot.
What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?
Kissing the feet for the third time, hopefully with my three running pals David, Darren and Jamie.
What are you not looking forward to?
There are bits that are a bit grubby but other than that, there’s nothing to grumble about. Arriving in Sparta is the best race finish ever, so I just try and focus on that.
How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?
Heat training – sauna and black bin bags!
Will you be bringing any support crew to the race?
I will have the blonde bombshells with me. My wife Laura and her mate Nicky Robbins.
Sarah Morwood
Name: Sarah Morwood
Job: Doctor
Background
I started running around 10 years ago when I was a size 18 with the aim of losing weight whilst avoiding dieting. Pottered around for a few years and then in 2012 upped my game to take on a marathon In 2013 I signed up for Bolton Ironman, and also tried my first ultra (Jurassic Coast Challenge). I won my age category at the Ironman, qualifying for Kona and won the JCC. This is when I found that this body was made for distance not speed!
By the end of 2013 I’d done my first 100 miler (Cotswold Way 100) and fallen madly in love with long distance running. In 2014, revelling in my new-found skill, I entered races left right and centre. By the end of the year (among a whole host of shorter races from half marathon up to 100km) I’d done 4 x 100 mile races including the UTMB (won 3 of the 100 milers, and 11th overall at the UTMB despite no previous mountain experience) and my 100 mile time had gone from 20 to 17 hours. I was selected to run for GB in the 2015 World Trail Championships where I came in first British female. At the end of 2015 I’d dropped my 100 mile time to 16 hour 13mins, and I tried my first 24 hour race, 24hr De Ploeren, where I clocked 216km, giving me an automatic Spartathlon qualification, and lining me up for a place in the 2016 GB 24hour squad.
Then in January 2016 everything went wrong. I was knocked off my road bike by a dangerous driver, and smashed my right knee to pieces. Cue 3x operations to fix the bone, 2.5months non-weight bearing, loss of over 90% of muscle in my right leg and a LONG long period of sadness, fear, frustration and rehab, rehab, rehab.
It’s taken me a year to get back to ultramarathon distance, and I now run with constant right knee pain, but ultramarathon runners are nothing if not stubborn. I can run, so I will run! All the way to Sparta.
Jay MacDonald
Runners Information
Runners Questions
Spartathlon Questions
Marcel McKinley
Runners Information
Your Name: Marcel
Occupation: Zookeeper
Home Town: I live in Watford, but my nationality is Hungarian.
Website/Blog: https://monkeymarcel.wordpress.com/
What is your running background?
I have been running since high school. I finished my first marathon in 2009 and my first ultra just a couple of years later.
When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?
My first ultra was a low key 50km race in Lovell Canyon, Nevada. It was a day after a marathon. Basically just wanted to see if I could pull off two back to back races.
When or where (at which events) are we most likely to see you?
Transgrancanaria. My favourite race.
What are your personal key running achievements to date?
My first silver buckle in the Western States 100 mile race from last year; my first sub-24-hour finish in Transgrancanaria last year; finishing my second Magredi Mountail Trail 100 mile race in 34 hours and enjoying most of it even though it had rained for about 26-28 hours; finishing my first Saprtathlon last year.
What was your hardest race experience?
Hahaha! Too many to choose from… I do experience extreme highs and extreme lows in longer races and if I don’t eat enough and/or I’m sleepy, I can be a drama queen.
What events do you have planned for 2017 up to Spartathlon?
4 marathons in the spring, Transgrancanaria – this time 84km distance, GUCR, Lavaredo Ultra Trail, UTMB, Karsruhe Marathon in Germany 2 weeks before the Spartathlon and Berlin Marathon 5 days before the Spartathlon.
What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?
I haven’t figured it out, yet. Races can be so different, I mean I wouldn’t have the same strategy for a mountainous 100km race and a flat 100 miler.
What does a typical training week look like?
I run 6 days a week. That includes one or two longer runs, one or two pace/tempo runs and the rest are just easy runs.
What one tip would you pass onto people running an Ultra marathon for the first time?
If you feel dead at the halfway point, you’re pretty much doomed. You don’t have to feel fresh, but it makes a huge difference if you feel OK.
Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself?
I don’t think it’s interesting, but people normally comment on how cool they think it is to be a zookeeper.
Spartathlon Questions
Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?
Yes, managed to – just – finish in last year’s event.
What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?
The scenery and the people.
What are you not looking forward to during the Spartathlon race?
Trying not to think about the whole distance because it IS a long way.
How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?
Trying to spend as much time as I can in a sauna. Also doing some cross training exercises and trying to improve my flexibility.
Will you be bringing any support crew to the race?
This time, I will. Rusty and Zoe will help me to get to Sparta. They’d better have a clean sock ready to shove in my mouth when I start complaining.
Kirsty Williams
Runners Information
Your Name: Kirsty Williams
Occupation: Automotive Technical Specialist
Home Town: Chelmsford
Runners Questions
What is your running background?
Started running in 2007, because I was worried I was getting old and unfit. Started running 1km laps round the park, while my son played on the skate ramps.
When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?
I saw someone wearing a UTMB T-shirt and thought it looked cool.
When or where (at which events) are we most likely to see you?
Long distance mountain events. 24 hour races.
What are your personal key running achievements to date?
Finishing the UTMB.
What was your hardest race experience?
First time I ran the UTMB. I properly broke before I got to Champex, and called my husband to come and pick me up. Luckily, he convinced me it wasn’t possible to come to me (on the easily accessible public road) and I’d have to run to meet him at the next checkpoint. He fed me, told me I was fabulous, and sent me on my merry way.
What events do you have planned for 2016 up to Spartathlon?
West Highland Way Race (95 miles) Lakeland 100 (106 miles – please note!!) And possibly a sneaky TDG.
What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?
Come up with a long and complex plan based on detailed analysis of everyone who has ever run the race, comparing to any race I’ve also run to create detailed splits. Which I promptly screw up and throw away within the first hour, because it’s too stressful to run to a plan.
What does a typical training week look like?
Cycling to work, short runs during the week, longer runs at the weekend. Regular practice running up hills.
What one tip would you pass onto people running an Ultra marathon for the first time?
Just keep moving & don’t overthink it.
Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself?
Running IS the most interesting thing about me.
Spartathlon Questions
Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?
No
What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?
Finishing it!
What are you not looking forward to during the Spartathlon race?
I’m proper scared of the heat, the distance, and the cut-offs. But apart from that, I’m really excited!
How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?
More road miles, trying to run a little faster, and hot yoga.(not completely convinced about that one)
Will you be bringing any support crew to the race?
Yes, my lovely long suffering husband.
Laurence Chownsmith
Runners Information
Your Name: Laurence Chownsmith
Occupation: National sales Manager REHAU Ltd
Home Town: Windsor
Runners Questions
What is your running background?
Running for 30+ years , mainly half and full marathons.
When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?
Ran the Windsor half marathon on a whim, though also thought the training would keep me fit for Hockey and Squash. I now only run ! I followed Martin Ilott on Spartathlon in 2006 on a bike and then decided to give Ultras a go.
When or where (at which events) are we most likely to see you?
I don’t do that many Ultras in a year , but GUCR , LLCR and in Greece. I like local marathons and half marathons.
What are your personal key running achievements to date?
Best finish time wise was the 2015 Sakura Michi Nature run in Japan 255km in 34.03. I have really enjoyed running the GUCR the Olympian races because of their friendly organizers and volunteers.
What was your hardest race experience?
I find the Ultras are always tough, but the Spartathlon in 2011, in the hottest weather was a killer.
What events do you have planned for 2017 up to Spartathlon?
Ultras: Dolihos in April, GUCR in May and the LLCR in August.
However I may change this to more marathons and less Ultras.
What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?
I don’t have a specific one, but I do try not to go off too quickly but keep a steady pace and run to how I am feeling. I like the feeling of two marathons under the belt , it feels like the race has just started. I am careful not to try and work out how far it is to go and how long it will take. For me these things are a distraction and can be very counter- productive.
What does a typical training week look like?
I don’t have one. Though as the Ultra comes closer, 4-8 weeks , I tend to try and run 3 times a week with a long Saturday and Sunday run in the Windsor Great Park. This year for the Spartathlon I am going to concentrate on speed over a 3 hour course.
What one tip would you pass onto people running an Ultra marathon for the first time?
Start slowly and enjoy the event.
Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself?
I played rugby for England when I was 16, I stayed a 11 stone, so converted to Hockey by 19!
Spartathlon Questions
Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?
Yes
How did you get on?
DNF & timed out.
What tip would you pass on to those taking part for the first time?
Train to run a Marathon in 3.45 and to feel comfortable. This is important as your need to run two marathons in the heat in approximately 9 hours and have something left in the tank for the next 4 Marathons.
What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?
Completing it.
What are you not looking forward to during the Spartathlon race?
The pain, traffic and oil refineries.
How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?
As stated before I will do a few Ultras but for the Spartathlon I am going to concentrate on speed over a 3+ hour course.
Will you be bringing any support crew to the race?
Yes , Martin Ilott and Steven his Son. Martin is an old hand at the Spartathlon finishing 6 times out of 10 . Steven is a Greek and Latin Scholar at University College London.
Cameron Humphries
Runners Profile
Your Name: Cameron Humphries
Occupation: Restaurant Management
Home Town: Colchester now living in London
Website/Blog: https://whatwillcamdonext.wordpress.com
Runners Questions
What is your running background?
I was an ok runner at school and college but nothing special, once I went to Reading Uni at 18 exercise took a backseat and going out 5 times a week was the priority! After a couple of years of abusing my body running slowly re-entered my life to balance things out.
When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?
I entered the crazy world relatively young at 22 but it felt a long time coming. I had read the obligatory Dean Karnezes book and I just loved the idea that you didn’t have to stop at the marathon. My first ultra came just a month after my first marathon. It wasn’t a conventional ultra, an assault course based 24 hour timed event called World’s Toughest Mudder. I covered 65 miles and learnt a lot about myself in the process.
When or where (at which events) are we most likely to see you?
The Essex XC season was my first last winter and I intend to run it every year now. Simple back to basic flog yourself for 25-45 minutes that I loved. Aside from that I don’t race as often as I would like due to work (Restaurant industry) often taking over my weekends. I run at Parkrun 20-30 Saturdays a year and tend to cherry pick other races of all distances around work and social commitments. That usually includes 2-3 ultras a year.
What are your personal key running achievements to date?
I’m not satisfied with any of my PBs from 5km to the marathon – I figure I have plenty of time to improve all of them though. The only performance I remain truly satisfied with was my 137.9 miles in 24 hours at Tooting Bec last September (My Sparta Auto-qualifier), it was as close to perfect as I’ve achieved in ultras yet. I’m also proud of my 2nd year (2014 – 28th place) at World’s Toughest Mudder but know I could have done better with smarter kit choices.
What was your hardest race experience?
The nightmare final hours at Lake Las Vegas where I broke down from cold and exhaustion during World’s Toughest Mudder 2014. I look back now and see an inexperienced poorly prepared runner! I couldn’t calculate that with the speed I was moving in the storm I needed to change to my thicker wetsuit. I gambled all my chips on the sunrise warming me up, when it didn’t and I kept getting colder it was as low as I’ve ever felt in a race. Getting into the medical tent and not having to run one more lap was the biggest relief but I had big regrets that I didn’t get out for one more lap.
What events do you have planned for 2016 up to Spartathlon?
I raced the Hardmoors 110 on May 6th, finished 11th in 26:35. Whilst this was a long way off my original target of sub 24 hours my prep in the prior weeks had been atrocious. The most positive aspect was how strong I felt at the finish with the idea of more miles and time not daunting. Also, it was only my second time over 100 miles and the longest I’ve ever been on a course so it was a good learning experience for September.
What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?
Cliche but best results have been when starting slow, then slowing down when I think I’m going to slow. Control the ego for the first half then come strong in the second half. Of course the risk is something goes wrong at half way and the race never comes together. This has happened on a couple of occasions but I’ve always finished, the difference with Spartathlon if this happens is a near certain DNF! That scares and excites me.
What does a typical training week look like?
Currently 0 miles a week. I’m not injured but haven’t been getting out the door through a combination of work, social life and lack of desire. Frankly think I burned myself out a little. Normally it’s 40-70 miles a week, 5-6 days a week. Time is ticking for Spartathlon and the desire is growing so it’s time to get back out there.
What one tip would you pass onto people running an Ultra marathon for the first time?
Sheer bloody mindedness and belief will get you a long way. Once you toe the start line you will always wish you trained harder, didn’t drink that beer and had prepared better but it will be too late. If you focus on what you can control which is one foot in front of the other you will usually surprise yourself with your achievement.
Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself?
I spent 18 months travelling 13 countries across 2014-2016.
Spartathlon Questions
Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?
Nope!
What are you not looking forward to during the Spartathlon race?
The deepest low that comes when you question what on earth you are doing this for when you could have just went to Greece for a ‘normal’ holiday.
What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?
Two things: Being part of a British Team before, during and after the race. Particularly the post race beers.
The high that comes after you’ve pushed through the deepest low, when the pain disappears and your stride opens up so you can run again.
How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?
I’m praying for a hot summer. I spent 18 months living and travelling in the Southern Hemisphere so running in high temperatures is not alien I’m just a bit out of practice. Extra layers and saunas amongst other ideas may be considered.
Will you be bringing any support crew to the race?
Yes, although she hates the term support crew. My wonderfully supportive girlfriend Lauren will be in attendance. Whilst not a runner herself she has helped push me to some great performances in the past. I think the appeal of some post race excess and some time on Santorini will help!
