You may remember in November 2020 Kilian Jornet set out to break the individual 24-hour distance world record. Now a team of 4 UK based runners have taken inspiration from Kilian and set their sights on a new 24-hour distance world record as a mixed relay team.
On the 3rd of March the team will lace up their SLAB Phantasm CF road racing shoes and call the 400m Lee Valley Athletics Track in North London home for 24 hours. The team will have at least 1 athlete on track running for the entire 24-hours, running in 1-hour shifts with each athlete completing 6 separate sessions with a 3 hour recovery break in between. As the previous Phantasm 24 challenge was a step outside of the ordinary for Kilian, you can guarantee that this challenge will be something completely off the scale for the team as they are pushed both mentally and physically in this test of extreme endurance and stamina.
LET'S MEET THE ATHLETES
Ricky Lightfoot
My name is Ricky Lightfoot and I'm from West Cumbria on the edge of the Lake District. I'm a full time Firefighter, proud dad of two and I spend most of my time running on the trails and fells of the Lake District. I've raced with Salomon for the past 13 years and I've competed all over the world, from Asia and South Africa to Europe and America.
From World Mountain Running Champion to running on a 400m track... I’m really looking forward to Phantasm 24, it offers me something totally different to what I’ve done before and I like that it’s going to put me well out of my comfort zone.
The hardest part will be pace, go out too fast and I could end up wrecking my legs for the following hours but go too slow and I may finish with plenty left in the tank. I want to finish feeling as if I’ve pushed myself to the absolute limit.
Abi Woolaston
Hi, My name is Abi Woolaston, I'm 19 years old and I am originally from Essex but have lived in Hampshire for the last 12 years. I started competitive running in 2017 with my first ultra marathon at the age of 15. I then took on my first 100km race when I was 16 and then moved into road racing and cross country at national level. I am currently studying bio-medical sciences at the University of Southampton with the aim to work in dietetics.
In 2021 placed 12th female in the general entry at London Marathon running the 2nd fastest Great British under 20's marathon time where I ran 2:48:09. My goals in running are to race the Wrexham Elite Marathon in April and to run around the 2:40:00 mark. Then my focus will switch to working on more marathon races aiming towards the European championship times.
I have been called in with 24-hour notice of this event, unfortunately Kirsteen has tested positive with Covid-19 so I am going to be taking her place as she is unable to run. It is a real shame for Kirsteen but I hope to do her and the team proud. I feel really excited but extremely nervous, it has been a while since I ran further than a marathon but I love testing myself and this will be a huge test for me.
Matthew Rees
I started running in 2015 to help with my mental health. The running had a huge positive impact on my mental wellbeing and I soon developed a strong passion for the sport. I focus mainly on the roads with my favourite distance being the marathon. My personal best is 2 hours 29 minutes for the marathon and 68 minutes for the half.
In 2021 I represented Wales in the Anglo Celtic Plate 100K. I really love training on the trails and roads and rarely runs on the track. In 2017 I made headlines for helping a fellow runner, David Wyeth, in the latter stages of the London Marathon which inspired the Spirit Of London campaign and awards. On social media I am known as @TheWelshRunner and I share all of my training on YouTube and Instagram.
I have decided to take on the Salomon P24 attempt because I really love a challenge and want to see what my body and mind can handle. I am really excited about the team aspect of the event and think the camaraderie will be vital towards a successful record attempt.
Ali Lavender
Hiya, My name is Ali Lavender and I was brought up running in the Shropshire Hills. I have represented England on the road, mountain and cross country. I currently live in Manchester and work for Manchester City Football Club. My best result in running was 18th at Berlin Marathon in 2021 where I ran 2:38. This result gained me an elite entry for Boston Marathon 2022.
The event is something completely different to anything I've ever done before, so it is a great way for me to challenge myself and mix up marathon training a little whilst dipping my toe into ultra running.
The promise of post event pizza is all the encouragement I need!
