The objective is to run as far as possible in 24hrs around a 1500m track. The race brings together some of the best ultra runners in the world and Jason takes his well earned place amongst a tough field. .

Jason gives us an insight on his journey to the start line :

How were you selected? 

Athletics Ireland selected a team in May. In order to qualify for selection athletes had to meet specific criteria to be considered for selection. One of those criteria was a minimum of 220km in 24hrs. I won the National 24hr championships in 2024 in Belfast with a distance of 231km and I was also a finisher in the Spartathlon Ultra event in Greece a non-stop 246km run from Athens to Sparta. My results in both these races led to my selection.

How many on the Irish team? Do you know your team mates?

There are 5 people on the Irish team, 3 men and two women. Many of the team are highly experienced endurance runners having represented Ireland at international level in previous years. The team includes: Jessie O Connor, Dave Andrews, Anne Jennings & Lorraine McMahon

When did you start your training programme? 

After I found out in May I had been in selected for the world championships the hard training started then.

Give us some insight into your training plan? 

Im self-coached so I created the training programme myself based on my experience. The structure of my plan is not very different to a marathon training plan. Ive been running consistent 160km+ mileage weeks for the last two months. I spent a lot of time training on hilly trail routes to build leg strength. The world championships is around a 1500m circuit so Ive had to do a lot of my training running around looped tracks to build some new mental resilience. My long runs have been ranging from 4 to 6 hours ( 40km – 70km ) including a lot of back-to-back long runs on tired legs. A big focus has been on eating and digesting food while running. How you fuel and when you fuel your body in these types of races is one of the most important things to get right so practicing your race day nutrition on training runs has been important.

What was your highest mileage week?? 

My peak mileage weak at the end of Sept was 253km / 157miles

How do you find time with work to train for this event while building this incredible mileage?? 

Its hard, you have work and family commitments, but you can always find a way if you really want something badly enough.

Being disciplined with your time has been super important.

Give us some insights into the nutrition you will need on race day??

I am aiming for around 80g of carbs per hour for 24 hours. This will come from a variety of sources – SiS Carbohydrate Drink, SiS Beta 40g Gel, Bananas, Coke Cola, Flapjacks

Electrolytes and salt tabs will be important. Im hoping to consume around 500-600ml per hour.

How has the training gone ?? Have you had any injuries/setbacks?

Training has gone well overall with no major injuries. Ive had a few niggles which I’ve managed through good sleep, massage & physio sessions, sauna / ice baths and good pre & post training nutrition.

What is the goal?

I want to put in as big of a performance as I can while wearing the green jersey and representing St Finbarrs AC. It will be a tremendously proud day for me and my family. If I manage to come away with a PB for 24hrs I will be delighted.

Is there race tracking available ?

Yeah, the event is being streamed live on YouTube and a tracker will also be available.