Name: Ian Thomas

Occupation: Retired Project Manager

Home Town: Norwich

Socials: Website/blog: ultraian.wordpress.com

Questions

What is your running background?

I’ve run recreationally periodically over the years but didn’t start racing in earnest until 2009 at the age of fifty, initially focusing on road racing 5k to Marathons before venturing into Ultra’s.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

I dipped by toe in the water in 2011 but only after achieving the last of my big targets
back then which included two sub 3 marathons.

It was the Marriott’s Way Ultra (36m), Beginners luck saw me win the event, setting a
new course record, which fortuitously stood for 5 years before being beaten in 2016.

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

Any Ultra’s really but usually 100 mile plus. I have frequented some 24hr track races but
my interest in the format has waned.

Spartathlon of course because of its historic precedent and the sheer difficulty. It is a
race without equal.

The Canal and Centurion series were really my springboard in the early years but I’ve
lately whet my appetite with some US based races, which I hope to return to if possible.

I completed Badwater 135 in 2023 and 2025 but suffered this year due to profound
tiredness and stomach issues. Still dont understand why as it’s not usually an issue for
me. I was very ill between another US race ‘Keys 100’ and Badwater but will never
know if that was a factor.

Events like UTMB, Spine, MDS etc have never really inspired me in all honesty. I prefer
pure non-stop running events without the aid of poles. Treks arent my thing except as
components of training.

I’d like to tackle the Pheidippides Run and JOGLE at some point, it’s just a case of
when. I’m acutely aware that time is pressing even though I’m usually the first to dismiss
age as an excuse.

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

 Nine consecutive Spartathlon’s, Best in 2016 as first Brit in (29:14:36) at age 57
 AG Course Record Keys 100 (2025)
 Oldest Brit to complete Spartathlon.
 Oldest Brit to complete in under 30 hours
 2 x Badwater 135 (Debut in 2023)
 Currently GB AG V60 6 hour, 50 mile, 12 hour and 100 mile Record holder & GB AG
V65 6hr and 12hr
 3 rd place GUCR (2016) in 27:43 and 1 st place LLCR130 (2016) 24:28 (not my PB)
 2 sub 3 marathons when I was age 52 (2011) and 53 (2012)
 AG County Champion over various distances from 5k to Marathon spanning a number of
years.

What Races do you have planned up to Spartathlon

At time of writing I’ve completed Keys 100 in May and Badwater 135 in July but ideally
looking to slot in another Ultra before race day.

I’d considered risking a 24hr but didn’t want to compromise my increased focus on quality training as I build for Spartathlon.

What was your hardest experience?

I guess it must be between finishing Spartathlon in 2018 with an injury with 50 miles still
to go during a Medicane or achieving an AQ at Athens 24hr in 2019 where I risked
running with an injury from the start.

The latter was an insane and reckless decision that could have killed me, but the draw
of an AQ was too great! Thankly I got it.

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Historically I tend to go out reasonably fast as I prefer to run well whilst I can which may
seem ill advised. This is especially so at Spartathlon as it’s easy to overcook the first 50
miles and potentially pay a heavy price.
However, I have tried to practice a more conservative approach, adopting a more even
paced strategy. Although I’m still not convinced it’s the best approach for me I may be
compelled to this year.
Nutritionally, fruit, milk, yoghurt or anything else easily digestible works, whilst hydration
and energy via Precision Fuel and Hydration seem to agree well with me.
I really like the convenience of the electrolyte options especially.
I am partial to chocolate milk drink which has worked well for me in the past. I generally
avoid gels like the plague but seem to tolerate PF&H offerings.

What does a typical training week look like?

It varies but on the approach to Spartathlon my best results have been in those years
where mileage has been 80-130 mpw incorporating lots of hills via ‘Doubles’ sessions.
I think I’ll be returning to this plan as I reduced my mileage for the last few years out of
caution really but suspect performance may have taken a hit as a result. It’s a difficult
conundrum but let’s see what happens this year.
I will be more conservative with mileage some weeks though as I’ve increased the ratio
of quality runs such as LT and Intervals. Something has to give.

Most miles are executed on roads of course to build the necessary strength for
Spartathlons’ unforgiving course.
I’ll continue with strength work, including unilateral and bilateral leg exercises with
weight plus loads of Core work.
Plyometrics and Weight Vest hiking are in the mix too which worked so well for me (at
my first Badwater – at least)
I’ll likely continue with Spin, Elliptical and pool based strength/cardio as Cross Training.
I’ll be validating my actual metrics via lab testing at the University of East Anglia again
as I did last year. I fear some damage was done when I was ill between Keys 100 and
Badwater but I’ll soon find out.
Garmin is pretty accurate in my case as it was only 1.5 adrift of the clinial testing last
time but there’s no substitute for the gold standard.

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

Just focus on the ‘now’ and dismiss the distance from your mind. It is good to visualise your finish though and know that you will cross that line, come what may!

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

In 2020 when Spartathlon was cancelled for the first time in its history due to Covid, myself, James Ellis and Ektoras Agathokleous ran the route in an unofficial version of the race we termed SpartathlOFF.

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

Yes in 2015 / 16 / 17 / 18, 19, 21, 22, 23 and 24

How did you get on?

Debut 31:33 (2015), PB 29:14:36 (2016) Interim years between 33 and 35 hours. Slowest year 2023 due to insufficient recovery before event and sustaining calf injury and burst cyst midrace.

A finish in 2025 would be a huge milestone, earning me lifetime aut- qualification. I’m
understandably nervous and excited in equal measure.

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

Important to avoid building a big buffer over the first 50 miles. The cut-offs are
disproportionately more aggressive over the first third but just stay calm and in control.
I should practice what I preach and always heed this advice but I have opted for fast
starts myself which has historically worked for me.

However, recent experience suggests I need to rope it back a bit as my body seems to
be taking a bigger hit than usual which I assume is attributable to my tender years.
Be prepared for the long tough haul to mountain base and again from Tegea to Sparta.
Valuable time can be gained at both if you prepare well!

This race certainly isn’t just about the mountain but most definitely boasts a finish like
no other!

Be prepared for the potentially cold transition across the Plains of Tripolis (post the
mountain) and dress appropriately. Don’t get caught out! That said, cold is my achilles
heel it may not be yours.

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

The whole journey, build up, pre-race get-togethers with fellow runners, the start at the Acropolis, the magical journey, reaching the foot of King Leonidas, witnessing others kiss the foot, the amazing welcome in Sparti It’s simply unforgettable!

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

Nothing! I’ll be embracing every aspect of the challenge.

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

High mileage on road, loads of hills,  potentially a 100 miler, plus plenty of strength, speed and cross training 

Speed hiking with weight vest has proven effective for me so I’ll be utilising this as I did for Badwater last year.

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

I’ll be going crewless again this year.