Name: Wendy Whearity

Occupation: Running coach/Secondary PE Teacher (Head of Outdoor Education)

Home Town: Reading

Questions

What is your running background?

Started running to get fit when my son was 2 (now 16), ran my first marathon in 2010, completing 5 marathons in 5 days for a charity event. I have since run about 19 Centurion 100s, all the canal races, a number of 24hr races and have represented GB in 3 x 24hr races, being part of the women’s team who took home a European bronze medal in 2018.

When did you first start running Ultra marathons and why?

I ran my first ‘ultra’ accidentally in Dec 2010, supporting my now brother-in-law during a charity run around Hyde park in Leeds, in a foot of snow. A friend then suggested I would like Thames Trot so I had a go at that, finished 3rd, and just kept running longer ever since.

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

I like the 24hr track races, canal races, and parkrun (even though I am rubbish at 5km!)

What are your personal key running achievements to date?

GB European 24hr bronze medal in 2018, Winning Crawley 24hr outright in 2022, (12 months after having a baby). Setting the KACR ladies course record despite taking an 8 mile diversion (blame Alex!), running to our wedding reception and not falling over.

What was your hardest experience?

DNF at NDW 100, at mile 99, due to being an idiot who didn’t put their coat on in time, and getting hypothermia.

What is your typical race strategy for an ultra?

Eat constantly, go slower than slow, have a party overnight when the sun goes down.

What does a typical training week look like?

There is no typical week. I am constantly outdoors on my feet, I could be hiking, climbing, diving, paddleboarding, cycling, and sometimes I just might do some running. A Sunday ice cream run with the infamous Paul Ali has become a weekly staple though.

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

However slow you feel you are going at the start, go even slower (unless it is Spartathlon and you need to keep an eye on the cutoffs).

Tell us one interesting fact about you?

I used to ride racehorses for a living.

Have you taken part in the Spartathlon before?

No

How did you get on at Spartathlon?

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?

The constant motivation to keep moving forwards knowing that my family, friends and the students/staff at school will be tracking me. And …… cheekily trying to chase down my husband, Alex’s time from 2019 (33hrs).

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

Nothing

How will you prepare specifically for the Spartathlon race?

I am just back from 3 weeks in Thailand, where I managed to fit in some running between the diving.
I will do some heat training in the final couple of weeks, and I have my bike on a turbo in the stuffy garage room.

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

Yes – My brother-in-law Rusty