Stuart Walker

After leaving Sheffield in 2007 and working as a Building Services engineer for three years, Stuart is now back and studying for a PhD in tidal energy. Having grown up on the North Yorkshire moors, he has always played outside: Running, mountain biking, kayaking, climbing, etc... and started racing around six years ago. In 2007 he set an unsupported coast-to-coast record, running the Hadrians Wall path in under 24 hours. He is now gradually making his way up the UK Ultrarunning championship standings, the sport which has been his entry to adventure racing... Being used to 30 hours running should be good preperation for XPD racing! 2011 was a big year for Stuart, with a top ten finish in the UK Ultra series, and two expedition races. After an eventful APEX race in May, Stuart joined Kev, Caz and Dave for the Raid in France during September. Their result has led to the same team being selected for the 2012 World Championships.

You can follow Stuart's adventures via his Blog...

Representation & Results...

2007
- Record Holder for Running unsupported along the Hadrian's Wall path.
2008
- UK Ultrarunning Championships, Grand Slam & Overall Points Winner
2009
- British Isles Challenge: 1300 mile solo challenge from Scilly to Orkney - Running, Kayaking, Mountain and Road bike, Swimming, including the 3 peaks.

2010
- UK Ultrarunning Championships Overall: 13th
- Calderdale Hike: 6th
- Pumlumon Challenge: 9th
- Manx Mountain Marathon: 10th
- Lakeland 100: 10th
- Bob Graham Round 22.30
2011
- 10th Team Raid In France XPD
- Lakeland 100: 8th
- High Peak Marathon: 2nd
- UK Ultra Running Championships, 10th.

Just in Case you Wanted to Know...

Why did you deciede to get involved in Adventure Racing?

I had always done some mountain biking and kayaking, and this summer I invented the "British Isles Challenge", going from the Scilly Isles to Shetland (via the three peaks) by human power. It was an incredible adventure, and raised thousands of pounds for charity. My next challenge is the Big Alps Run, just running this time but bigger and better... So AR, well natural progression really?

What is you favorite piece of AR kit?
I have had a Kimmlite mountain marathon sack since I started running about five years ago, and we have been through a lot of adventures together! It's looking a bit tired now so I'm looking forward to using my new OMM sack on my next set of adventures...

If you had one top tip for someone thinking of giving AR 'a-go' what would it be?
Go for it! Don't be scared, being strong mentally is as important as physically so believe in yourself and give it a go. And enjoy!