James Cracknell OBE is a double Olympic gold medallist and endurance athlete with credits including rowing across the Atlantic in 49 days (with presenter Ben Fogle), racing to the South Pole and being only narrowly beaten by Norwegians and being a GB age grade triathlete. He has run several marathons and finished 12th in the Marathon de Sables (making him the highest placed Brit in the event’s history). He now owns RunJOy Ltd who provide half marathons in Cheltenham, Exeter and Weston-Super-Mare.

James Cracknell OBE, Olympic and endurance hero.

NAME: James Cracknell

LOCATION: Prince of Wales Stadium, Almost Athletes track session

BEEN RUNNING FOR: I did some running as part of my rowing training, shuffling up and down the towpath, and then after the 2004 Athens Olympics when I retired from rowing I took on the London Marathon the following year. That’s when I learned, about halfway round, that there is more to it than just running. The speed work and training etc which I hadn’t done. That’s why I’m at the track now!

HOW DID YOU START: After the faff of rowing where you need a boat and water and other people who turn up late, the ease of running and time efficient manner made it the obvious choice. A pair of trainers and you’ve got all you need. When my eldest was born and sport wasn’t the only priority there were suddenly other time pressures, and running was the easiest way to fit in exercise.

FAVOURITE DISTANCE: Well I think as every runner knows, any race you do is always too long! I think I’m best suited to the half marathon, my 10k time and splits would suggest I’m better going longer but a marathon is too long.

FAVOURITE RUN/RACE: I enjoyed New York Marathon, because I could run it very differently. As an Englishman there I could do it very anonymously and just concentrate on my running. There wasn’t as much fancy dress and things, it was a very serious run, in fact in my starting pen people were discussing the weight of their trainers! I was like “they’re size 13, does that help?”. So I enjoyed New York although it is tough through the quiet sections on the way to Manhattan.

FAVE BIT OF KIT: I think a pair of shorts is the crucial thing. I have lots of kit and toys but a decent pair of shorts with inner shorts, not a net, and a singlet that isn’t too baggy are keys to happiness. Anything that doesn’t chaff! All chaffing is needless pain. (If you haven’t read James’ book about rowing the Atlantic “The Crossing” do so. That man knows about chaffing!)

DREAM RUN: I love running by the sea or by water, that’s always nice. In terms of races I’d like to do there’s an ultra marathon in Badwater, Death Valley which is a brutal test, you do it with your own support crew. It’s 135 miles in 50 degree heat all in one go, that would be interesting.

DREAM RUNNING PARTNER: I’m quite unsociable when I’m running, just head down going for it, I’m not one to chat. My East German coach used to tell me if you’re talking you aren’t working hard enough so maybe that’s why, although he wasn’t a track and field coach so not sure why I still listen to him!

RUNNING ASPIRATIONS: Well the aim of the race series is to get more people running, that’s what drives me. It’s not about getting runners to chip a few seconds off a time, it’s helping build more activity in to their lives and see the benefits of running. Then they can get more out of their children and grandchildren, I believe if we don’t bank some fitness in our thirties and forties, then you’ll start withdrawing in your sixties and there’s nothing there. You need to build up some credit so I’m hoping people take on the challenge of our half marathons and fitness becomes habitual and helps them through life as a result. For me personally, I’ll always want to chip a few seconds off my race times but that’s no longer my focus.

FAVOURITE INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: Abraham Lincoln said a great thing, as well as abolishing slavery and many other accomplishments! “If I had six hours to chop down a tree I’d spend the first three sharpening the axe”. That’s perfect for endurance running as well, you can’t attack a marathon with a blunt axe so spend the time preparing!

Entries are now open for the Cheltenham Half Marathon on 30th September 2018. Click HERE to book your place.