Harry Jones

Ultra-Distance Trail Runners

Like many runners, I started out on the track. I grew up in North Wales and spent every weekend in the mountains, but it wasn’t until I moved to Chiang Mai in 2013 that I realised my potential for mountain running. After running for more than half my life, 2016 was the year that I decided to pursue it as a career; that meant 14 races, 9 wins, with course records on the trails, roads and up a skyscraper. I competed in my first 100km race and my first international-level ultra. 2017 started with a top 10 finish at Vibram® Hong Kong 100 (UTWT), and I went on to win The North Face 100 Thailand and TransLantau 100km, and place 2nd in Austria’s Mozart 100® (UTWT) and The North Face 100 Hong Kong. To help and inspire others on their running journeys, I document much of my life and training on YouTube and share my tips and advice on all areas running, training and plant-based nutrition based on the knowledge and experience I have gained from over 15 years of running and a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Biomedicine & Nutrition. I work as an online running coach, and train on the mountains for my races ahead.

Career Highlights

UTMB® CCC – 2018: France – 8th Place

The North Face 100 Hong Kong – 2017: Hong Kong – 2nd Place

Mozart 100® (UTWT) – 2017: Austria – 2nd Place

TransLantau 100km – 2017: Hong Kong – 1st Place

The North Face 100 Thailand – 2017: Thailand – 1st Place

Vibram® Hong Kong 100 (UTWT) – 2017: Hong Kong – 8th Place

Up Close, and Personal

To me, sport stands for

A chance to express yourself, test your limits, have an adventure, and make friendships that last a lifetime.

On a typical training day,

I do: Running, cycling, some strength work, and whatever activity it takes to settle my energy—sitting still is something I struggle with.

I eat: As many fruits, vegetables and plant foods as I want.

I wear: I train in hot and humid conditions, so anything light and breathable. On my feet, Hoka One One Speedgoat 2.

I listen to: I’m a drummer, so anything with a good beat.

My idea of an effective training session is

Going into the session with a clear goal, while listening to how the body is responding at any given moment and having the confidence to adapt if needed.

The moment when I discovered my athletic potential was

Joining my school’s lunchtime running club, running too far ahead, getting lost and missing my afternoon classes—I just wanted to run all day.

The three biggest lessons I have learnt so far in my athletic career

1. To respect the body.

2. To have patience.

3. To make sure I enjoy every step of the training process.

Before a big race, I tell myself

Calm down, don’t think too much, just run and embrace every second.

The toughest race of my life was

The North Face 100 Thailand: the course itself is not technical or challenging, but the scorching sun and high temperatures made for the toughest conditions I’ve ever raced in.

The most memorable moment of my sporting career so far

My first ultra race, Thailand Ultramarathon. There were moments in the race where I doubted whether ultra racing was for me, but in the last hour my mindset had completely flipped and I didn’t want the race to end. As soon as I finished, I was planning my next race.

My training sanctuary is

Steep mountain trails with good views and good friends.

My dream starting line is

This is a tough question; I’d say that every race I choose to run is special to me in it’s own way.

I nourish my soul with

Daily adventures, coaching others to succeed in their goals, eating and living compassionately, and surrounding myself with people I love.

Unived helps me by

Staying energised, healthy and balanced throughout my training and racing.

I have chosen to associate with Unived because…

As well as health, wellbeing and optimum athletic performance, Unived are focused on promoting veganism and compassionate living. Veganism is a big part of my my life and it is extremely important to me that the companies I support and the products I use are in line with my principles.