Meet The Run Leader - Russ

Next up, in our 'meet the run leaders' spotlight, is our very own endurance legend Russ Platt. No distance too far, no mountain too high - he's always inspiring us with his adventures ... Over to you Russ!

How did you get into running?

I was persuaded to enter the Manchester 10K in 2009 aged 44. My training took me from run / walking 1 or 2 miles to completing the race in 47 minutes. I was hooked. It took 1 year to progress to marathons and 2 years more to find Ultras.

Most memorable running moment?

Completing the Lakeland100 at my second attempt in 2016, very broken, very tired and having a bunch of good friends waiting for me at the finish.

Greatest running achievement?

Tough to choose one that I value more than others, but I’ll pick the Summer Spine race in 2019, 268 miles over 4.5 days. The long multi-day events are very rewarding as you go though so many highs and lows. [We'll take your word for it Russ]

Greatest running disaster?

I have plenty of these, my 2 failed attempts at Winter Spine Race stand out as they are very expensive DNFs, with the high cost of entry and extensive kit requirements. I guess I might try again one year.

Greatest skill (apart from run leading)?

Encouraging others into thinking that a 100 mile race is a good idea.

Run in the snow or the sun?

Probably snow, you can’t beat a bit of adventure on the hills in bad weather.

Favourite event?

Lakeland100, I’ve been there nearly every year since 2013 to do either the 50miler, 100miler or volunteer. It’s a fantastic weekend and it’s been great to watch many running friends join the ultra community through doing this event.

Dream event?

Currently chasing ballot entries for the full UTMB and Western States, hopefully I get to do both before I’m too old.

Thanks Russ. See you Monday 6.30pm at the bus stop .