10 years have past

It is ten years since I finished Spartathlon for the one and only time. Since then, I’ve run it once more and crewed six times—the last two with Chrissy. The record for crewing is far better than running, with four finishers and two DNFs, compared to my running record of one finish and four DNFs. In truth, that one finish was at the very limit of my abilities. It took me three previous attempts to achieve it. Since then, I’ve broken bones in each of my legs and put on fifteen kilos. It is very doubtful I will ever qualify again—thus my focus on crewing, which I greatly enjoy.

My mood going in was only dampened by my contract being cancelled. In truth, that was a blessing. I had been at IKEA for far too long, and several of my colleagues were very bad for my mental health—not least my boss, who is somewhat of a sociopath, as illustrated by his defence of bullying co-workers that was pure gaslighting. Add to that his penchant for very odd pornography, which he had shipped to my home address and demanded I deliver to him—it was a relief not to have to deal with him ever again.

But that’s enough of me feeling sorry for myself. This year’s Spartathlon was the best yet for me. The people I meet every year are always welcoming and fun to be with. I see people with multiple finishes, like Ian Thomas, who has achieved ten consecutive finishes—with a tiny pang of jealousy. That said, the front-of-pack runners aren’t those I have much in common with, lovely people though they are.

We got Andy to the end after his DNF last year by force feeding him Baklava.  Well done chap

Andy on the finishing straight

I have enormous sympathy for those who DNF, as I know only too well what that feels like. Anyone who can commit to pushing themselves to the very limit, fail, and come back again—like Terry Tillotson—are people I identify with far more. Terry, if you’re reading this and need a crew for next year, let me know.

Nick Gkikas and his crew did really well, although he also didn’t finish. I’m extremely indebted to Nick and Nikki for helping with the issues involving Marsh Pullan and David Stuart at the end. As Nikki said: “What’s the point of speaking another language if you’re not gonna use it to help other people?” That really is the ethos of the British Spartathlon Team. Tim and Anna also struggled with injuries and were cut.

Nixk, Anna, Tim & Terry.  The real heroes

The race organisation was improved previous years highlighted by extremely well organised gala. For the first time that I can remember the organisers created desginated country tables. This avoided the rush to grab a table and was much appreciate.  I got to meet Mary and RuneLarsson who were multipile winners in the early days of the race.   Especially nice people. 

What else was of interest? Seeing the GPS guys who set up the trackers and monitor the race, Freya Tim and Richard is always interesting. They have some great ideas on how to cut down on the cheating of  runners receiving crew assistance out side of the designated crew checkpoint. I hope that their ideas gets implemented. 

Chatting with Vangelis (Race Director), Doukas (Race Marshal), and Panagiotis (Technical Director) is always enlightening. It’s nice to hear about the challenges from the organisers’ side of the race, and I hope to incorporate some of their feedback into advice for British runners next year—not least to ensure you’re prepared for all weather types, after the storm hit midway through the night

Doukas

The Beer Mile was even more of a success with more than a dozen participants taking part. Thanks to Matt Blackburn and Bob Hearn for their assistance in creating the trophy and allowing time for it. TheTurkish team where very helpful in assiting in clearing up after the race. 

I receive a lot of feedback from the women runners and others on the team for how the British Team can improve in that arena and we will certainly consider all of it in the coming months in time for next year.

One final word of thanks to this years BST sponsors, three of whom were at the race

Our sponsors (Butcombe Brewing, Oyster Wealth Management, Avani Solutions, TrackTrail, Camino Ultra/Looming.Tech, and Wingman Designs) fund our kit, website & more  Links here: https://britishspartathlonteam.org/2025/07/20/2025-welcome-bst-sponsors/

See you all next year.