Mark Atkinson 

Tell us something unusual (non running) about you

I wrote a book “Run Like Duck” that won Best Running Book Award and I got to meet that Bushell bloke off the BBC News

Number of marathons?

138ish I think 

Job or occupation ?

Project manager for renewable power and waste industry

What was your first marathon and what do you remember about it?

 Luton. I remember being passed by a pretty old guy, dressed as superman, wearing a 100MC top. It’s mostly his fault I got carried away....

Who or what inspires you?

Everyone that gets out there and runs 

What is your go to running snack before, during, after a run?

Before marathon - McD Egg McMuffin. During - whatever my stomach fancies 

After - beer

What is your passion outside running?

Travelling (often with running), particularly in Spain as their races are so good and cheap! 

What piece of running kit would you most recommend?

Obviously a copy of “Run Like Duck”! 

Running highlight (so far!) -

Finishing the Grand Union Canal Race. 145 miles is a real challenge and still not sure how I finished it. 

Strangest race experience? - 

Use a ‘stepping stone’ to cross a stream on Lakeland 100. It was wobbly and soft. It was a dead sheep.....

Ever lost a toe nail and other running injuries? - 

Tripped on a 50k trail race and punched a tree. Dislocated two fingers. Hurt to run so I popped them back in and the guy I was running with nearly vomited at the noise....

Where do you think you will run your 100th / Did you run it? And why? - 

Ran my 100th with Foxy at Enigma as he’s responsible for a lot of this! Was a great day, and even managed to win it