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

GUCR 2026: 38hours 15mins

What was your hardest race experience?

Thames Towpath 100 2023: It rained most of the day and the last 30miles were horrendous with the muddy conditions, falling over all 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?

I started CrossFit 4 months and attend classes 4 times a week. I am trying to get stronger and cut my miles down to 60-70 mileds per week.

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 started ringing Church Bells two years ago: it’s great fun and you meet lots of lovely people.

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

Yes: Twice, 2019 and 2025

How did you get on?
2019: Was a hot year, went out fast and hung on; finished in 33hours 3 mins

2025: Was a wet year on day 2. Ran a controlled race, had the company of a Latvian runner from 60 miles. Finished in 33 hours 34 mins

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

Train for down hill as well as up: there are some steady down hill segments which batter your legs. You need to get your legs stronger.

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

Race day: the whole race is an amazing experience, stay in the moment and soak it all up.

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?

I am doing CrossFit 5x week and trying to get stronger. I have also incorporated steady downhill runs.

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

No