Name: Robert Selway

Occupation: Product Manager

Home Town: From Devon but live in London

Questions

What is your running background?

I ran cross country at school then had a big break before taking it up again 7-8 years ago.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

The first ultra I ran was a coastal trail series ultra in 2017. I had run a couple of half marathons and decided this was more exciting than chasing marathon times. I managed to run the last two checkpoints in the wrong order and got disqualified

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

Living in London, I often get out to the North and South Downs ways and did the North Downs Way 100 a couple of years ago. 

Earlier this year I managed to fit in a race in the Drakensberg in South Africa whilst on holiday. 

Outside of that you can often find me running loops in North London or along the canal in Devon where I’m from. 

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

I finished 5th at the West Highland Way race last year and also got my 100 mile qualifying time at the Barcelona 24hr track race.

What was your hardest experience?

North Downs Way – my shoes were too small and my feet were a mess!!

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

I normally go out fairly easy, then push a bit and then hang on. I also try to keep breaks to a minimum.

What does a typical training week look like?

Recently it’s been 6 days a week with club track session on Tuesday, Tempo on Thursday and weekend long run with lots of easy miles in between

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

Eat lots and keep the breaks to a minimum.

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

My day job is to try and make robots go faster

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

No

How did you get on?

N/A

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

N/A

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

The people and the atmosphere

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

The heat

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

Some slightly longer long runs and heat acclimatisation 

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

Yes! My partner Shoshi will be supporting me