
Emily Hallett started running progressively, until she got hooked by ultra trails: running in the WILD is what she really loves
Ultras and trails for me is what it’s all about — getting outside, exploring and adventures. Rarely running for time, my focus is always on enjoying it, no particular target in mind, just running for the fun of it.
When did you start endurance sports?
I recently found what I think may have been a photo of my first ever race from 1986, but in no way was this the start of the running bug. In fact, I still find describing myself as sporty a bit uncomfortable and certainly don’t feel like that most of the time! I’m not really sure when I started trying to get out running, but I think my first 5k was Race for Life in around 2007. At that point it was the very occasional run maybe once a week or even fortnight.

After moving to London in 2010 is probably the real start. Living near Wandsworth Common, there were lovely little routes around both there and Clapham Common and putting my trainers on became more common. In 2011 the motivation I needed to step it up then arrived in the form of a tragic accident. My friend’s uncle, a humanitarian photographer, was out in Afghanistan with the Army and stepped onto an IED, loosing both legs and one of his arms. In order to raise money to support his rehabilitation, she signed up to a half marathon and I felt I should support her, so signed up too. Heading to Sweaty Betty to buy new trainers, I was strongly encouraged to join their running group in order to help race prep and I soon found myself out in all weathers — even deep snow one winter. 2012 saw a change in my career, and I was no longer able to make the SB runs, instead opting to join Nike Covent Garden. They were really welcoming and had a strong community feel. In fact, I stalked several of their groups on Facebook before deciding CG was the one for me.

Soon, I was a regular and would lend a hand at sessions if they were short of pacers, and at some point in 2013/2014 I officially became a pacer for them. Outside of the sessions we also organised our own long runs, and as the core group became closer running halfs regularly soon led to signing up for a marathon — something I thought I’d never do.

Paris 2015 was an incredible experience, and before even running this, I’d been persuaded to sign up to Race to the Stones 100km ultra too.
Paris 2015 was an incredible experience, and before even running this, I’d been persuaded to sign up to Race to the Stones 100km ultra too. Needless to say 2015 was dominated by running. However, a change in the format of the Nike sessions, and being criticised for running outside of them led to me leaving Nike, but this only led to me discovering my love of trail running through Never Stop London, and soon Maverick Races, for whom I also became an ambassador. This leads me to where I am now with 4 marathons and two ultras under my belt.
Ultras and trails for me is what it’s all about — getting outside, exploring and adventures. Rarely running for time, my focus is always on enjoying it, no particular target in mind, just running for the fun of it.


How did you start competing?
My first race was my first half, Run to the Beat in 2011, inspired to help my friend raise money. Since then, it’s been about being part of the running community and enjoying just being outside. I rarely ‘race’, but taking part is largely driven by the challenge and location of events. Most recently I ran the Cortina Trail, a 48k mountain race in the most spectacular scenery.
Your favourite race?
How to choose. This really depends on the aim of the race… In 2016 I discovered Maverick Races, and without doubt their races are always fantastic — incredible routes and scenery with a fantastic atmosphere too. Cortina Trail was simply stunning though. It was ridiculously tough, not helped by not having trained enough for it, but the landscape was just breathtaking.


Your next one of dreamed one?
Having just moved to Malaysia, I was hoping to run the Penang International marathon in November, but having decided to be kind to myself whilst I acclimatise, I’ve just switched to the half.
I’m still investigating runs here though and there’s no shortage of choice — Thailand trails, Borneo ultras, Indonesian adventures, we’ll see where it leads…
Biggest roadblock?
In the UK it was time due to work commitments, and although that’s still true out in Malaysia, right now, it’s the heat and humidity without a doubt.
Your advice for people starting endurance sports?
Find a likeminded group. They’ll be the only people who understand what you’re pushing for and why.
Solo long runs are such hard work, and although you need to learn to deal with ‘the wall’ a group can help you push through and motivate you at tough points.





