GB Coach Tackling Mongolian Ultra-Run

Former GB cycling coach Dave Smith is leaving his wheels at home to run a 100km ultra-marathon in Outer Mongolia just five weeks after learning of the existence of the event.


Dave, who confesses to preferring two wheels to two feet and to being 'not a runner by anyone's description' is taking on the Sunrise to Sunset 100km ultra marathon close to the Siberian border along with his friend and business partner Linh Vein Thai from Tokyo.

The race is the equivalent of running a marathon - something Dave's never done - then carrying on for an extra 36 miles. The run also includes 11,000 feet of ascent, roughly three times up Snowdon across terrain including permafrost, marshland and rocks.

“I only want to run a marathon once," says Dave, "so I might as well make it an unforgettable one. I have only had six weeks to prepare, so I’ve had to focus on being good at ‘not-stopping’ rather than being good at running.

"I’ve used long rides to get my legs tired, then gone running to get used to running when I feel like stopping. It’s a total mental challenge, the toughest thing I’ve ever done – even thought I’ve cycled across a few deserts in my time."

Dave and Linh are running in aid of Leukaemia Research, a UK charity dedicated exclusively to researching blood cancers and disorders including leukaemia, Hodgkin’s and other lymphomas, and myeloma.

Any money they raise will go directly to the charity as the entire trip is already funded. You can find out more and make a donation via Dave's web site at www.ffflow.com