On April 27, 2025, Simon Pilkington, a Bristol business owner and a ProTom Fitness training client, will undertake a monumental challenge: running the London Marathon and then running all the way home to Bristol!
This epic feat is in aid of the Oliver’s Wish Foundation, which supports Sudden Unexplained Death in Children UK, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, and Chestnut Tree House. The foundation was created in memory of Oliver Dowling, a two-year-old boy who tragically passed away in his sleep from a sudden unexplained death.
JustGiving – Oliver’s Army 6 Ultras.
Simon initially began training with ProTom Fitness to prepare for a charity boxing match in support of the same cause. Against the odds, he won his bout at the Hilton Park Lane, despite facing an opponent 12kg heavier and having no prior boxing experience.
Determined to continue raising funds for Oliver’s Wish, Simon took his endurance goals to another level. After securing a ballot place in the London Marathon, he drew inspiration from athletes like Ross Edgley and Sean Conway and set himself an even greater challenge: running home after the race.
The Challenge
Over six days, Simon will cover approximately 30 miles per day, following canal and river paths from London to Bristol. While he has run marathons before, it has been 12 years since his last one. Now, at 42 years old, this journey presents an entirely new level of endurance and resilience.
JustGiving – Oliver’s Army 6 Ultras
Training for the Ultra
Simon’s preparation has been intense, with back-to-back long runs of 15, 18, and 20 miles to build endurance. His training also includes a structured strength program designed to improve durability and prevent injury. Here are some key components of ultra-marathon training:
Running-Specific Training Tips
- Back-to-Back Long Runs – Training consecutive days at high mileage mimics race conditions and helps the body adapt to fatigue.
- Pace Discipline – Ultra-marathon success depends on maintaining a sustainable pace. Train at a slower, steady speed to build endurance.
- Fueling & Hydration Strategy – Long-distance running requires a solid nutrition plan. Test different energy gels, drinks, and real food options during training to find what works best.
- Hill and Trail Runs – Strengthen the legs and improve resilience by incorporating off-road and hill running.
- Recovery & Mobility – Active recovery days, stretching, and foam rolling help reduce injury risk and keep muscles primed for the next session.
Strength & Conditioning for Ultra Runners
Ultra-running isn’t just about running—it requires a strong, injury-resistant body. Here are some key cable and functional exercises to support endurance training:
- Cable Lateral Lunges – Strengthens stabilizing muscles, improving lateral movement and reducing knee stress.
- Cable Step-Ups – Mimics uphill running, building explosive power and endurance in the quads and glutes.
- Single-Leg Romanian Deadlifts – Enhances hamstring and glute strength, improving running economy and reducing injury risk.
- Single-leg Pallof Press – Builds core stability to maintain good posture during long runs.
- Contra lateral Push and pull on Cable – Develops upper-body endurance, essential for maintaining posture over ultra distances.
- Dumbbell Cross over step ups – Strengthens stabilizing hamstring and glutes and you can also work on quadriceps strength.
Active Recovery for Injury Prevention
Recovery is just as crucial as training when preparing for an ultra-marathon. Active recovery sessions incorporating myofascial release and targeted hip mobility exercises can significantly reduce the risk of injury and ensure the body remains strong and balanced throughout high-mileage training.
Focusing on internal and external hip rotation helps strengthen the hip complex, preventing lateral shifting and lumbar compression, which are common issues in long-distance running. Key exercises include:
- Foam Rolling & Myofascial Release – Target the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and IT band to release tightness and improve mobility.
- 90/90 Hip Rotations – Enhances both internal and external hip rotation, improving stride efficiency.
- Banded Clamshells & Monster Walks – Strengthens the glute medius to stabilize the hips and prevent knee valgus.
- Hip Airplanes – Improves single-leg balance and control, reducing excessive lateral movement during running.
- Pelvic Tilts & Controlled Cat-Cow – Helps maintain proper lumbar positioning and reduces strain on the lower back.
Integrating these low-intensity drills into active recovery days ensures that the hip complex remains strong and mobile, allowing runners to minimize damage and complete the distance in the best possible condition.
Support Simon’s Mission
Simon’s goal is to raise £20,000 for Oliver’s Wish, and every contribution counts. If you’d like to support his incredible journey, donations can be made at: JustGiving – Oliver’s Army 6 Ultras.
Oliver was only 2 years old.
If you have contacts in media or sponsorship, Simon would love to hear from you to help spread awareness and maximize fundraising efforts.
For more about the Oliver’s Wish Foundation, visit: https://oliverswish.org.uk/who-we-are.
Thinking of Taking on Your Own Challenge?
If you’re considering an endurance challenge or looking to raise money for charity but don’t know where to start with your training, we’d love to help. Feel free to get in touch—we can provide guidance and support to help you on your journey!