Name: Peter Abraham

Occupation: Hospital Pharmacist

Home Town:  Sale, Manchester

Questions

What is your running background?

I ran cross country at school but did not do sport at Uni and only started doing exercise in my early thirties. Did cardio at the gym for several years, thought I was faster than other people on the treadmill so joined a running club.

I then ran club races, knew I was better at endurance races, ran my first marathon in just over 3 hours and within 3 years ran a marathon PB in 2:38 at Berlin. I then progressed onto ultras and have never looked back.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

2The Wall was my first in 2014. The signage was not the best, went wrong 3 times, led most of the way but got caught near the end after going wrong again! I was always inspired by reading ultramarathon race reports and books and wanted to experience it myself. I thought marathons were over too quickly and wanted more of a day out. I like the journey and the feeling of achievement.

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

I’ve run a whole array of ultras, from Lakeland, Centurion events, Comrades to a 24 hour track event. I prefer running on roads, running on technical trails is not my thing. Now I am concentrating on training and not chancing injury by running a race. For me it’s all about the training, enjoy building mileage and getting faster with less effort.

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

Berlin Marathon 2013 2:38:44
Autumn 2017 15:57 3rd place
Connemara Ultra 2018 4:31:50 1 st place
Comrades 2019 Silver medal 7hours 28mins
Spartahthlon 2019 33hours 3 mins
Sri Chimnoy 24-hour track race 2021: 143.55miles (100miles in 14:37:57) 1 st place

What was your hardest race experience?

Thames Towpath 100 2023: It rained most of the day and the last 30miles was a horrendous with the muddy conditions, falling over aal the time. I hate mud!!

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

I try to run in the moment and keep my mile splits consistent. I like running with other competitors, even it means going slightly faster.

What does a typical training week look like?

70-80miles weekly: I usually run each day, mostly in the evening: In the build-up to an ultra I run a marathon or longer each week, include hill sprints, moderate runs.

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

Nutrition is key: practice your nutrition strategy in training each week, you need to train your gut. For me I have 1 gel every 20mins with proper food when available.

Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself?

I am a bell ringer (the bells in a church!): it’s great fun and you meet lots of lovely people.

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

Yes, 2019

How did you get on?
Started off well passing 100 miles in 16:32. I was fortunate to run with a fellow BST teammate from approx. 80 miles to the end. We were infamous for getting lost and adding 5 bonus miles. It was a hot year which was the main challenge.

What tip would you pass on to those taking part for the first time?

Do heat acclimatation training before the race: it will be worth it!

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

The whole experience: meeting other competitors, having fun with the BST, being part of a special race, The last mile running through Sparta is so exhilarating, no other race comes close.

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

Running downhill after summiting Mount Parthenion

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

8 heat chamber sessions, running regular on the road.

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

No