Name: Ian Thomas

Occupation: Retired Project Manager

Home Town: Norwich

Socials: Website/blog: ultraian.wordpress.com

Questions

What is your running background?

Late starter at the age of fifty focusing initially on road racing 5k to Marathons before venturing into Ultra’s.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

Following the usual club milestone targets culminating in some sub 3 marathons. I yearned for new challenges.

Curiosity drew me to the Marriott’s Way Ultra (36m) which I was surprised to win, setting a new course record. This fortuitously stood for 5 years before being beaten. Beginners luck, but it certainly inspired me to venture bigger.

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 since sampled some US based races, which I had hoped to return to but the current crazy world situation has dissuaded me for now.

I completed Badwater 135 in 2023 and 2025 along with Keys 100.

I prefer pure non-stop running events without the aid of poles and Treks aren’t really my thing except as components of training so events like UTMB, Spine, MDS etc have never really inspired me in all honesty. Cold is my Achilles Heel so winter races are out.

I’d have liked to tackle the Pheidippides Run and JOGLE at some point, but I’m acutely aware that time is pressing if I’m to have a stab at both.

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

• Ten consecutive Spartathlon’s earning a Lifetime AQ (subject to current qualifier), Best in 2016 as first Brit in (29:14:36) at age 57
• AG Course Record Keys 100 (2025)
• 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
• Some Canal series podiums including a 1^st and 2^nd at LLCR130 and 3^rd at GUCR
• 2 sub 3 marathons when I was age 52 (2011) and 53 (2012)
• AG County Champion (distances from 5k to Marathon) spanning a number of years)

What Races do you have planned up to Spartathlon

At time of writing I haven’t any planned build up ultra races, just some short faster stuff.

Returning to the wild and otherworldly Badwater this year as pacer/crew will serve as  great prep.

Other than mileage my focus is heavily on strength work. I’m easing right back on race volume in kindness to my body which I think is a sensible choice for me now.

What was your hardest experience?

Finishing Spartathlon in 2018 with an injury with 50 miles still to go during a Medicane or possibly my 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! Thankfully I got it.

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Historically I tend to start reasonably fast, preferring to run well whilst I can as perfect pacing never yields great results for me. Logically this is ill advised for Spartathlon as it’s easy to overcook the first 50 miles and potentially pay a heavy price but we have to make our own choices and take some risks sometimes.

Nutritionally: Fruit, milk, yoghurt or anything else easily digestible works, whilst hydration and energy via Precision Fuel and Hydration seem to agree with me and I do like the convenience of the electrolyte options especially.

I’m partial to chocolate milk drink which has worked well for me in the past. I generally avoid gels like the plague but PF&H offerings are an exception (until they’re not)

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 and speed work. 

I reduced my mileage for the last few years out of caution really but can’t say if performance took a hit but I did finish in reasonable shape last year. I’m mindful that it’s very much a balancing act between strength work, mileage and quality runs such as speed work etc so something has to give.

Most of my miles are executed on roads of course to build the resilience and strength for Spartathlons’ unforgiving course. I’ll also continue with strength work, including unilateral and bilateral leg exercises with weight plus loads of Core work. Plyometrics and probably Weight Vest hiking are in the mix too but all of the above have their merits.

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 (after a suggestion by Bob Hearn)

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

Yes in 2015 / 16 / 17 / 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 2025

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.

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

The cut-offs are disproportionately more aggressive over the first third but just stay calm and in control so avoid building a big buffer over the first 50 miles. Make the most of available time in that first third to save something for the last 100.

Be prepared for the long tough haul to mountain base and Tegea to Sparta. Valuable time can be gained at both when you’ve prepared well! 

Be prepared for a potentially cold or wet transition across the Plains of Tripolis (post the mountain) and crucially dress appropriately. Don’t get caught out! That said, cold is my Achilles Heel but it may not be yours. Still, be prepared! 

Autonomic training/Visualising the finish is extremely powerful and will move mountains. Believe that you will cross that line come what may!

Above all embrace the magic and emotion of a race with the greatest finish on the planet and enjoy it!  THIS IS SPARTA!

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, plenty of strength, speed and cross training and reviewing my past recollections. No big build up races planned this 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.