Ollie Garrod takes 40 mile world record

Ollie Garrod is the fastest human over 40 miles, shattering a longstanding world record to finish in 3:45.07.

The record, set in the Barry 40 Mile Race in Wales on March 5, replaces the standard set by Don Ritchie in 1982. Ritchie completed the distance in 3:48.35.

Credit: Paul Stillman

Garrod, who joined Belgrave this year, won this race in 2021 and 2022. He also set the English 50km record in February.

“I came in this time round with just one aim to hunt down the World Record or crumble trying,” Garrod said.

“Having set the English 50km record in February 2023 I knew I had half a shot, but no one had got within 4 minutes of Don Ritchie’s record since it was set”.

Garrod was given “perfect” conditions of 6 degrees celsius, with almost no wind. The entire race unfolded on the Jenner Park Stadium’s track. Garrod set out quickly on his 161-lap mission.

“Within about two miles of setting off it was clear no one was going to come with my potentially suicidal pace,” he said, accepting that “the next 38 miles would be solo.”

Ollie was ably supported by fellow Belgrave runner Naomi Lenane

Garrod passed 10 miles in 55:41, the half marathon in 73:02, the marathon in 2:25:57, and 50km in 2:53:16.

“The body started to complain a bit but I managed to hold it together to close the final 10 miles in 57:55,” Garrod said.

The record has been ratified by the International Association of Ultrarunners.

“I’m so stoked to be even quoted in the same company as legendary previous WR holders,” he continued. Garrod’s next target is the Anglo Celtic Plate 100km in Craigavon, Northern Ireland in April, where he will run in an England vest.