Setting the ‘Fastest Known Times’ – Interview with Mike Hartley

Mike Hartley:  A name etched into the history of Ultra running. He has achieved an enviable list of Fastest Known Times (FKTs), on mountain and trail, many of which have stood for 30 years. Mike also represented Great Britain on 3 occasions at the 100km road race. The continuous traverse of the Classic British Rounds in 1990 was audacious in concept and extreme in execution, an attempt by Mike, to test himself to the limit, to achieve his ‘ultimate ultra.’ The mountain challenges of the Bob Graham Round, the Paddy Buckley Round and the Charlie Ramsey Round were completed in a continuous 3 days 14 hours and 20 minutes, including 7 hours 48 minutes car transit time.

Ultrarunner Magazine was privileged to catch up with Mike, to look back at his career and gain an insight into the mindset and training that shaped his aspirations and success.

I started running at age 28 and was swept along with the marathon boom. My love of the outdoors, climbing and fell walking, combined with marathon running, soon developed into ultra-trail running.

By chance, I discovered the Southern Upland Way during a holiday with my wife, Gill. Twelve months later, in 1988 I ran the route and experienced, by far, the toughest run I had ever done. It was a monumental struggle. On reflection, I was surprised how hard I found it; I believed I was fit and ready. By way of compensation, the route was remarkable, covering miles of unspoilt, remote country; I did not see another person for the entire 212 miles. My finishing time of 55 hours 55 minutes was hard won. With my appetite whetted, I knew I could do better.

The Pennine Way, in 1989, was probably the most famous and satisfying challenge that I have completed. Most of my training consisted of running 7 miles to work, walking all day, carrying out my job as a meter reader, before running 7 miles home. Monthly long runs added stamina and interest.  In March, I ran the 80 mile Dales Way, breaking Dennis Beresford’s record (FKTs hadn’t been invented then).  Dennis returned with a vengeance 3 months later, to reclaim his title.