Name: Stuart Ross

Occupation: Photographer & Videographer

Home Town: Banchory

Questions

What is your running background?

Sporadic runner in my 20s who only did it to clear a bit of liver and lung capacity ahead of a promising weekend. Ran my first marathon (Loch Ness) in 2014 when I turned 30 and have been intrigued ever since.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

Dipped my toe into the murky waters of ultrarunning in 2016 (D33 – a 33 mile out-and-back along a disused railway line) because I wanted to experience how it felt to go beyond marathon distance.

After that nice and gentle introduction my eyes were opened to all sorts of ultra racing.

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

I run 3 or 4 ultras a year, mainly in Scotland (generally Aberdeenshire or the events held along the West Highland Way) with the odd overseas foray to top up on Vitamin D.

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

Third place at West Highland Way in 2023. One of those days where pretty much everything just seemed to click and work in my favour.

Aside from racing, a sub 24-hour solo & unsupported completion of the Rigby Round – which takes in all 18 munros in the Cairngorms – was pretty special.

What was your hardest experience?

Mozart 100 in 2017. A potent cocktail of non-specific training and going out way too hard on race day meant I was a broken man by around halfway. I managed to tough it out though, slumping across the finish line and having a proper Steve Redgrave “anyone who sees me go anywhere near an ultramarathon again…” diva moment.

But here I am.

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Try to find a comfortable rhythm and settle in for the long haul. I often like to find my own patch as I am generally not the most loquacious during a race.

What does a typical training week look like?

Somewhere in the region of 60 miles per week across the year – usually through a long run, one session and the rest easy miles.

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

Keep buggering on.

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

Once described by a scout from a Scottish Premier League football club as “a talented number 10 but just too bloody lazy” to be considered for a trial.

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?

Planting a sweaty & salty kiss on the feet of Leonidas.
In all seriousness, I am just chuffed to bits to be running Spartathlon. Before I even caught the running bug I had read an article describing this event – the history & how resonant it is with the people of Greece. It has been in the back of my mind for a long time now and it will be a privilege to run it (albeit perhaps a painful one)

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

Nothing.

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

I will up the average weekly mileage, swap the trails for the tarmac, throw in some double runs, really dial in the nutrition/hydration on long runs and, lastly, make use of a sauna to gain some heat adaptation.

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

Yes – my fiancée Meryl.