Name: Steve Gordon

Occupation: Financial Planner

Home Town: Bury St Edmunds

Questions

What is your running background?

I wrote a bucket list in my mid 30’s of the things I’d like to do during my lifetime… one of which was to run a marathon. 4 months later I ran London. That was in 2002 and I’ve been running ever since.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

Not long after London I started looking online and saw the Marathon De Sables and thought why not… that was my baptism into the Ultra/Multi day world and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’m curious and like to see how far I can push myself before I break.

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

Marathons around Suffolk for training and then I’ll pick a couple of bigger races through the year to give me a goal to aim at. Most of my runs are from my front door. We live on the entrance to a National Trust estate so I can spend hours running around there.

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

I’m proud of any Ultra over 100 miles. So far I’ve completed 3xC2C, 2xViking Way, MDS, Deadmans Ultra (only time I’ve ever won a race), Thames Ring, Badwater and Spartathlon.

What was your hardest experience?

Thames Ring was hard. My feet were wrecked after 75 miles and I’d told the CP I was going to quit as I couldn’t imagine running 175 miles with so many blisters and sores. I ‘phoned a friend’ first who told me to sleep for 10 mins first, then he asked me what else I had planned for the day. He put it into perspective… it was easier to carry on than get to a station and back to my car. So I carried on and one mile at a time, got it done.

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Start at the back, so that nobody can overtake me, then reel in as many runners as I can.. go slower than I should, eat and drink often and build in a lot of micro walks. Get to half way in decent shape then if I still feel good, try and push from there. Make sure that when I finish I have no regrets. Leave it all out there on the track.. If I finish broken I’ve had a good race.

What does a typical training week look like?

50 – 80 miles a week in the months leading up. Some core strength work as well and for something like this add in heat training for the last few weeks. I have a coach for the first time now and he’s been instrumental in giving me structured training and confidence.

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

Don’t focus on the big number, break it down into little chunks like a mouse eating an elephant. One bit at a time.
Stay on top of your food, liquids and feet, regular walks of a minute or so to give your legs a break. And reward yourself at key points; the first marathon.. 50 mile point, down the other side of the mountain etc..

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

I have six daughters so am a dab hand with long hair.. If you want bunches or a plait…..

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

4 times and have a 50% success rate – which is humbling. There are no certainties with this race, if the Gods smile upon you, then maybe you can kiss the King’s foot.

That’s what makes this race so special – you just don’t know what’s going to happen, nothing is guaranteed apart from the experience of a lifetime.

2019 – dnf’d at 100k – I carried an injury into the race and ran much further than I expected

2021 – quite possibly my best ever race – finished in 32:42

2022 – dnf’d. Sickness from mile 100, stopped at mile 110ish, to this day I regret stopping.

In 2023 I was lucky enough to have Michael and Amanda crew for me and they made sure I finished. I struggled in my head and was really really tired but they kept talking to me and wouldn’t let me stop for too long. It turned out that I had a fracture in my foot for the last 20-30 miles. 

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

I lost 6 months of training due to a double metatarsal fracture. From April until now Robbie Britton has been getting me ready. I’ve done some big mile weeks, some hill weeks and we’ve talked about nutrition, I’m hungry for it this year.

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

In the months leading up to the race it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the enormity of running 153 miles, through stifling heat, with the sun beating you into submission.. running all day, then having already run 100 miles, having to go up and over a mountain before still having to run another 50 miles… remember you chose this.. In reality, it’s the best race in the world, you will love everything about it. You have already done the hard work so now its time to enjoy yourself and immerse into the experience. And remember you qualified so you are good enough to belong in this field of athletes.

What are you looking forward to at the Spartathlon race?

Meeting people from around the world, the starting hooter and running through the night as it can be quite spiritual.

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

I can’t think of anything negative. Sure it’s going to be extremely hard, but that’s what makes it so worthwhile.
It’s an incredible life experience.

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

Will I…. yep, the awesome Michael and Amanda (one of our sponsors) at Avani are back to get me to the finish line. We have a plan!