Profile

Name: Ryan Tipping

Occupation: Firefighter

Home Town: Durham

Questions

What is your running background?

I have always run to keep my fitness ticking over. Never took it seriously until I discovered ultras though. I think prior to 2015 the only official race I entered was the Great North Run.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

The MDS was my introduction into ultras in 2015. It appealed at the time as it was dubbed the toughest footrace. It left me wanting more though with a desire to push myself further.

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

I don’t tend to enter many races, just concentrate on the bucket list type events. I do enjoy events with pretty views. So maybe sometime in the future you might see me on the UTMB, Bob Graham course, or Montane Spine. We’ll see.

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

Auto qualifying for Spartathlon and cracking the MDS as my first ultra with very little training are probably the 2 that stand out to me.

What was your hardest race experience?

24hr Self Transcendence track race last year. It’s the only time I’ve had to fight through an injury during an event (dealing with a calve issue). That and of course staying mentally motivated to keep running round in cycles for 24hrs wasn’t easy.

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Consistent pacing, hydration, and fuelling tends to do the trick.

What does a typical training week look like?

Currently on 80-mile weeks slowly building to 120. Nearly all steady runs. Will add the odd tempo run on the days I feel strong.

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

Take it easy. Don’t think of the total distance involved, break it down to bight sized chunks and enjoy the ride.

Can you tell us one interesting fact about yourself?

I have still never run an official marathon. Might do one day.

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

No

Where did you get your qualifier for Spartathlon:

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

Meeting likeminded, determined individuals. Completing the challenge of 150+ miles as it will be my furthest to date and clinking a beer or two after finally seeing Leonidas.

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

The heat.

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

Lots of road running. Training in Spain closer to the race to help prepare for heat.

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

Bringing a couple of friends