Ambassadors

Sarah Bowyer

I’m Sarah Bowyer, a nearly 40 year old mum of 2 who is a little rounder than I would like! I discovered dog agility when my 15 month old working Labrador started wrecking the house & I had to find him a job to do! 

Being from an equestrian background, when it was clear we had an aptitude for the sport, the natural choice was to compete & set ourselves super goals to achieve. 

Eric is my heart dog, I will never have another like him, we aspired to qualify for Crufts, which through a lot of travelling all over the UK, training, hard work & determination we achieved in 2021, our competition being the large Novice ABC. It was a dream come true to step on the green carpet & we had a slight blip in the morning run (a flourish as crufts called it), putting us second place, but meaning the super ginger ninja & I were shared all over crufts social media, then we calmed our nerves & went on to win the afternoon run & the overall competition for this class, being the only partnership to run 2 clear rounds and the fastest combined result too! 

Our goals for this year are Olympia (the London horse show) qualification & Crufts British open & championship!

Agility requires a lot of stop start running, turning the body and correct positioning to handle the dog, we compete in all weathers from baking hot sun (when we get it), to snow & rain (more commonly), any apparel we wear needs to be resilient to all these scenarios, hard wearing & really importantly have pockets for treats, toys & bags! I love bright colours & designs which makes Flanci Activewear the absolute best choice for our sport, the pockets on the skorts are amazing too! I’m so proud to be an Ambassador for Flanci & show off the amazing products & designs round the UK at shows.

If you’d like to follow our journey on Instagram we are @supergingerninja.

Mariann Bayliss

Hi, Im Mariann Bayliss and I am 17 years old. I compete in Dog Agility with my dogs Coral and Betty. I have been selected to represent Team England and Team GB this year at the World Agility Championships. 

I have been competing in agility for 11 years now, however, Coral is the first dog that I have trained by myself. She has done incredibly well getting to Grade 7 (the highest level you can achieve) as well as competing at Crufts and winning her category! Betty is my young dog who is completely bonkers!! She loves to do everything at 100 miles an hour and there's no stopping her! 

I am so grateful to be Ambassador to Flanci! The quality is second to none! I am very unique and like to stand out, so the choice of cool designs is just amazing!

You can follow us on Facebook (@reefagilitytraining) and Instagram (@reef_agilitytraining) to follow our journey!!

Paul Moseley

Having been a keen runner in my teens to the point of representing Birmingham at Cross Country, for one reason or another I took a 30-year break from running, returning in late 2017 when I started training for a half marathon in 2018.

It soon became clear to me that men’s running gear was black, black, or black. Around this time, I discovered Flanci at the National Running Show in Birmingham. They were a new company with a small stand on the outside wall of the arena. My wife Annie and I instantly fell in love with their products, and our collection of Flanci running gear began to grow.

I started running in their Double Layer shorts and leggings, but I was still looking to stand out more, so decided to make the switch from shorts to skorts and haven’t looked back since. It was at this point that SkortedMan was born.

I am a big believer in lycra being non gendered, and people being able to run in whatever they feel comfortable in. It is very rare now that you’ll see me NOT running in a skort, and I have loved seeing the number of Skorted Brothers in Flanci grow.

Being more comfortable and confident in Skorts has enabled me to run more relaxed and enjoy what I do and 2021 has seen my running come on leaps and bounds, completing 3 marathons and my first Ultra.

You can follow me at

https://www.facebook.com/SkortedMan
https://www.instagram.com/skortedman

Cleo Ottley

I’ve come a long way from the Caribbean to the West Midlands, in many ways more than one. 

I have never in my life run in shoes. Most of my childhood was spent barefoot as it was always more comfortable than having my feet squashed into shoes. Being barefoot suited my fearless nature. I used to run and bare back ride wild donkeys from my house near the dormant volcano to the side of the Atlantic coast - two to three miles of mostly trail and pitted road. I climbed mango trees barefoot and I used to run cross country barefoot also – which remains the norm in the Caribbean.

In 2015, I made a move to the UK. In 2018, I decided to pick back up running to try and get a better, healthier version of myself. I started running in Vivobarefoot shoes and then on to Luna sandals.

I love running because it makes me feel free and so alive. I did a few marathon distances and decided that that was not enough for me. During the first lockdown I really increased my mileage and during the second did some solo ultra running. A 50k followed by a few more, and I found I had found my niche and my tribe.

I have never been one for quiet subtle clothes – I love the amazing splash of colour that Flanci brings to my running (and my Instagram). Every runner does amazing things and should revel in their personal achievements and ability in fun activewear.

The running community is an amazing thing. There is an ongoing Barefoot Crew 5k group where we go out and do a barefoot 5k or more every Thursday. That’s where I met Vic (The Happy Runner – another amazing Flanci Ambassador!). Vic, sadly due to recent Covid travel restrictions was unable to do an ultra she had entered and I willingly took her place. How hard could it be after all? I loved the 41 mile race, finishing in a decent time was amazing too. 

I since then I’ve done Ultra X Wales 250k multi day, Manchester Marathon, Ultra X Sprint trail, Infinitetrailrace in Austria and a few more Marathons. Who knows what’s next? 

Mags Doyle

I was introduced to Flanci by a friend when completing a virtual marathon earlier in 2020. I am predominantly a power walker although I do enjoy running. I started walking in 2011 when a friend suggested we enter the Moonwalk, a breast cancer charity event. I trained and completed the marathon, from there on things just progressed. To date I have completed over 150 events including 26 marathons and 3 ultra-marathon!! These have included New York and Berlin.

As an older lady I'm never going to be the front of the pack but I do get enjoyment from walking and running. I'm a run director at my local park where I love meeting and encouraging fellow runners. I also have a love/hate relationship with distance walking, which means I usually hate it around 18 miles but love when I cross the finish line. I've been successful in gaining an entry to London marathon so training is starting for this as well as another 52.4 ultra in June.

Flanci skort's are my favourite although I do love my Flanci capri's and leggings. I'm an average size woman who feels comfortable and confident in all my Flanci gear.

I am so proud to be an ambassador and look forward to supporting this brand for years to come.

Lisa Jackson

Flanci-fan Lisa Jackson is a rather surprising cheerleader for the joys of running. Formerly a committed fitnessphobe, she became a marathon runner at 31, and ran her first 56-mile ultramarathon aged 41. But unlike many runners, Lisa's not afraid to finish last – in fact, she's done so in 25 of the 110 marathons and ultras she's done so far.

Having co-authored the best-selling Running Made Easy (which extols the virtues of run-walking and had sold over 110,000 copies), the self-styled 'World's Slowest Marathon Correspondent' went on to don fancy dress to cover marathons for Women's Running magazine in cities as diverse as London, New York, Athens, Berlin and Boston. She wrote about her quest to join the 100 Marathon Club, a goal she achieved in 2016, in her best-selling book Your Pace or Mine?, which has won three Running Awards and has recently been released as an audiobook.

Now a columnist for Runner's World, where she writes the Flamingo Diaries column, Lisa has also written about running (and other subjects) for The Independent, The Guardian online, Reveal, Prima, Psychologies, RED online and Mumsnet.

Lisa has also been a speaker at The National Running Show and Chris Evans' RunFestRun, and been interviewed on numerous podcasts, including Running Commentary, Bad Boy Running, Runner's World UK and Behind the Life.

Lisa’s philosophy is that running really isn't about the time you do, but the time you have while doing it, and she firmly believes you’re never too old, unfit, unathletic or curvy to run.

‘I love the fact that Flanci makes runners look good, no matter their size, and their vibrant colours are the perfect match for my fancy dress hats. I am delighted to have been invited to become an ambassador and look forward to flouncing about in my fab Flanci kit!’

https://www.qmhypnotherapy.co.uk/
https://www.celebrantsurrey.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1281374101
https://twitter.com/LISAJACKSON43

Adam 'Tango' Holland

Devon born ultra marathon and endurance athlete Adam Holland, has won more marathons/ultra marathons than anyone else in the UK. This puts him in the top five in the world for marathon wins: he has run over 346 and counting, of which 121 were under 3 hours. His fastest marathon to date was achieved at the Loch Ness Marathon in 2018, which he completed in 2 hours 24 minutes.

Adam also has several Guinness World Records and when he was just 23 years old, he completed 100 marathons making him - at the time- the youngest person in Europe to achieve this. He is also the fastest person to run 10 marathons in 10 days, with an average time of 2 hours 45 minutes and is the England Athletic 50 km champion for 2017.

However, his greatest feelings of achievement come from inspiring others to run and getting out and enjoying the sport with his friends in the running community.

If you can't catch him, you can follow Adam on social media:

www.adamholland.uk

https://www.facebook.com/adamtangoholland/

https://www.twitter.com/tango5tavy

https://www.instagram.com/tango5tavy/

Fiona Craven

I'm originally from sunny Plymouth in Devon but left 18 years ago to start working in Heathrow Airport, 6 years ago I moved to Kent and that's where I am now, working as a Civil Servant.

I'm very active, I've completed about 15 triathlons, mainly sprint but 2 Olympic distance, but decided to concentrate on running as I've always struggled with that. I joined a local running club 2 years ago this September and I am now a team leader with them. I run twice a week with beginners and existing members and also do races with them and plan the routes for their longer runs at the weekend. I also love trail running and go to North Wales running and walking when I can.

As well as running I love any cardio class at the gym, I'm an open water swimmer and I'm attempting to walk the southwest coast path (over a few years) with my husband.

I'm currently training for Bournemouth Marathon. It"ll be my first marathon and I'm raising money for the Kent based charity Ellenor.

I spend a lot of time outside by the water and have recently started volunteering with the RNLI - I'm hoping to be called up as crew soon.

https://www.instagram.com/journey_of_a_fluffy_fitty/?hl=en-gb

Vic Izzy Owens (The Happy Runner)

Inspired by childhood tales of her father's running days, Vic Izzy Owens, aka The Happy Runner, often dreamed of running fast along the pavements of London, her hometown.

However it wasn’t until much later in life, in 2017, when she lived in North Wales that Vic decided to take up running and started training for the Manchester Marathon. Upon completing Manchester Marathon she decided to explore trail running and a few months later took on the brutal Excalibur Marathon. It took her almost double the time she expected, but with steep climbs and stunning views Vic knew she had found what she was looking for. By the end of that year she smiled the entire way through her first ultra, Rat Race's The Wall, 69 miles along Hadrian's Wall, and started her ultra running journey.

In September 2017 Vic took on what she calls ‘her first real run’, the King Offa's Dyke race: 185 miles from Chepstow to Prestatyn. Before this point she has only ran 69 miles. That year Vic was the only female finisher, and with tired navigation errors made the run 200.2 miles. Mentally and physically exhausted she crossed the finish line and vowed never to run again. This vow lasted about a week. Vic completed King Offa's Dyke again in 2019 smashing her previous time by 3 hours.

In 2018 Vic enjoyed running with Ultra Great Britain and completed Chester 100 as second female. Feet in blisters and incredibly sore she vowed never to wear running trainers again. This time it was a vow she kept and upon returning home she binned her high spec trainers and traded them in for Luna Sandals and Vibram Five Fingers. Now she mixes minimalist footwear up with her barefoot running and to date has run marathon distances fully barefoot.

In 2019 Vic took on The Monarchs, and spent 5 days on the trails running further then she has ever run before. It was the most amazing humbling experience of Vic's running to date. She has vowed to go back and finish the route, a vow we think she will be keeping.

Barefoot running, and switching her diet to plant based, has changed Vic's running. Connection to the ground and her environment is of primal importance.

On Saturday mornings you will find Vic down at her local Parkrun in Conwy, wearing her FLANCI shorts and being a guide runner her younger brother Alexander who lives with severe brain damage. During the week she enjoys running Canicross with her springer spaniel Bella and family run nights with her two children Sophie and Olly.

Why is ultra running so special to Victoria? “Placing your feet on a path of adventure is vital for the soul, each step moves you closer to a moment of truth, a moment of rawness, a moment of peace. People you meet in those moments shape and change your life. Pace is irrelevant, if you run then you are a runner. Be kind to yourself. Enjoy your moments”

Follow Vic, aka The Happy Runner, rocking her FLANCIs on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/thehappyrunnerNW
https://www.instagram.com/the_happy_runner_nw/

Catherine Forsyth

Catherine is based in Central Scotland, and is a fan of biting off slightly more than she can chew! University was the start of her sporting interest, joining Edinburgh University Triathlon Club as a complete novice and working her way up to become President in her final year.

Since then, she has blossomed into something of an ultra runner, finishing the 42 mile Devil o’ The Highlands Footrace twice, happily finishing amongst the last couple of runners. Her goal for years has been to run the 95 mile West Highland Way Race. She successfully got an entry for 2022, and whilst her race finished after 55 miles, it has made her even more determined to finish in the future!

Aside from running, Catherine has made a habit out of trying new sports as an adult, including climbing, rugby and boogie boarding. Once she gets over the initial terror of not having a clue what’s going in, she can be found with a huge grin, buzzing from the immense feelings of achievement and bravery!

At the weekends, Catherine can usually be found at Parkrun with her wife, although only if there’s an option for a swim nearby afterwards, followed by vegan coffee and cake somewhere! For much of 2022 she has been travelling around Scotland in her van; hiking, swimming and running in amazing locations. For the next year Catherine hopes to spend time volunteering at races and Parkruns, and is also planning her own expedition to run the length of Scotland along the Great Trails.

Stephanie Innes 

Stephanie is a Scottish secondary school teacher and Army Reservist who has recently returned from a few years in the Middle East to life in Yorkshire. Although she enjoyed running 800m and 1500m events at school, she only properly got into running in 2017, when she started training for her first marathon. As she crossed the finish line, she knew this would be "her thing" and she is now slowly making her way towards her goal of 100 marathons. Progress towards this goal was slowed down considerably due to Covid but she continues to plod on, pocketing marathons and ultra marathons both in the UK and around the world.

Stephanie is passionate about encouraging women and girls to explore running and has established running clubs in her capacity as a teacher. She is an ambassador for the charity 'Free To Run' which empowers women and girls to pursue exercise in war zones and / or culturally permissive locations. She also organised the first all-female crossing of Qatar on foot in Jan 2019 and the first female 400km exploration of Qatar on foot in Feb 2021 with her team, The Desert Roses, both of which resulted in increased interest and participation in running from local women.

Stephanie has recently completed a 47-day military expedition in Antarctica. Flanci skorts were a key item of her training kit as they were so useful for stowing snacks during long tyre drags so it was only right that she popped one on at the South Pole. She is currently enjoying 'collecting letters' as part of the Park Run Alphabet Challenge, gratefully wrapping up warm in her Flanci hoodie at every finish line. She is now training for two multi-day ultra races in Tanzania and Jordan this year and preparing to move to Ethiopia in August. The question is - which Flancis will she pack?!

Follow Stephanie on Instagram: @antarctica_inspire_22 

Aggy York

As a GP, triathlete and coach for an online nutrition and fitness programme, I consider myself a "movement champion". The benefits of exercise for both mental and physical health are brought in to most of my consultations. I spend time exploring the barriers that friends and patients have preventing them from exercise and often body confidence and stigma crops up. 

There has been a "perimenopause revolution" in the last couple of years with more and more women talking about perimenopausal symptoms, heavy erratic periods being one of them of course. Also the green planet effect and desire to reduce landfill has brought attention to reusable menstrual cups and period underwear with several brands popping up over the last couple of years.

But there still seems to be a huge taboo with regards to stress urinary incontinence. After conducting a recent poll amongst friends and colleagues, there is a massive cohort of ladies really suffering. And not just menopausal ladies, or those who have had children. Young elite athletes are also hampered by it, despite their training and conditioning. And what is sad is that this extremely common problem is often a major reason as to why ladies aren't exercising. 

There is little choice out there for those that are brave enough to exercise whilst suffering with SUI or heavy periods other than plain black leggings. Even on a hot summer's day. After talking to women and following running groups online I discovered The Skort! Essentially a pair of running shorts with an overlying skirt which doubles up nicely as a modesty panel hiding any bulges from sanitary products or any wet patches from leaks. The trouble is that all those I found in running shops were black and boring. So imagine my delight when I discovered the Flanci brand online after googling "funky skort" !

So don't let these embarrassing yet common problems put you off exercising with style! Go and see your health care professionals and get help with the physical side of things. Also let's break the taboo of speaking about women's health issues. And in the meantime grab yourself a skort and get exercising!

Shelley Hall

Hi I’m Shelley, I began running in 2017 when I decided something needed to change, Prior to that I was a overweight, smoker who enjoyed far too many takeaways!

The first step was to quit smoking and the second was to begin running, I started with a 5K training programme and as I started to increase my distance over the next 12 months I soon realised I prefer longer distance! 5 years later and Marathons/ Ultra distances are my favourite! 

Starting to run has completely changed my world, Running has given me so much but it has also given me a new relationship, a whole new group of friends both in the real world and in the social media world! I never claim to be an expert or the fastest, but I always celebrate everyone’s achievements! I have no interest in comparison or being the best my whole running journey has been about what I can achieve and what more I can do…

I’m also lucky to run a majority of races with my partner Ashley as a “running couple” and our biggest distance so far was 100km last year from London to Brighton! In 2022 we have been catching up on events and so far we have completed 2 marathons and are currently training for Berlin Marathon in September!

I was introduced to Flanci by a member of my own Online Running Community when I fell in love with the design of the skort she was wearing! I quickly jumped online ordered 2 and there has been no looking back! 

I love the great outdoors, I love to run, walk, hike, cycle and I’ve even ventured into paddle-boarding more recently, anything that gets me out and about and I’m at my happiest! 

Instagram:

@shelley_awr

@apparently_we_run 

Andy Large

Age 58 and after a long Corporate career, I was lucky to be able to retire 6 years ago. Having previously enjoying racing sailing dinghy's on the East coast, I started to help run East of England Paddlesports which led to my current love of kayaking, canoeing and standup paddleboarding. Almost 3 years ago, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and decided to do something about it .. amoungst other things I started running, and whilst complaining about the boring black shorts, a friend of my wife recommended Flanci .. since then I have lost 5 stone, I run regularly at events and Parkrun including my first half marathon.

The Diabetes is in full remission with no medication and Flanci have been with me through the whole "journey". I am often asked where I get my shorts from both at running events, in the gym, cycling and whilst out paddling. I am very proud to have been selected as a Brand Ambassador and hope to continue to spread the Flanci word far and wide.

I am married with two 30 something children and live in Colchester Essex.

Facebook: @Andy Large

Instagram: @oldmanlargey

Alice Townend

I’m a 49 year old mum of 2 teenage boys and 3 cats and work full time in the NHS in Northumberland as an Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon (basically I cure people with breast cancer and reconstruct the breasts I’ve taken away to do so – not a bad day at the office!) 

I’ve been a runner since August 2018 when, aged 45, I started with the c25k programme to get fit and lose weight. I hated exercise but I didn’t want to become an unfit, overweight, middle aged Mum who couldn’t keep up with my family doing activities they loved, so I became a reluctant runner. I wasn’t expecting to fall in love, and I certainly wasn’t expecting that I’d be motivated to run marathons and ultramarathons! I’m not motivated by running fast, I’m motivated by seeing how far I can push myself to see if I can find out where my limit is. My proudest running achievement was completing The Wall in June 2022, which I might have shouted about once or twice, the jury is out as to whether that is my limit or not! 

For me, it’s very definitely about the experience on the way to the finish line rather than getting there as fast as possible, and I’ll often do that in daft fancy dress, taking plenty of selfies, high fiving children at events and raising money for charity (Cancer Research, my local breast cancer patient support group, Macmillan Cancer Care, Breast Cancer Now, CALM, and the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team). Over the last couple of years, I’ve started caring less about what people think and more about what makes me happy. Two years ago, I would never have gone out running in a brightly coloured crop top and I’d have felt silly running dressed as a traffic cone – it’s liberating to not care and to just have fun. This is something I really hope I’m instilling in my children.

I’m delighted to be chosen as a FLANCI Ambassador. Not only is the kit super comfortable and practical, but the designs and colours are absolutely stunning (no chaffing over 110k as well as 3 pockets AND pretty colours and I’m sold!). The skorts are my favourite – why have one pattern when you can have two?

You’ll find me spreading the FLANCI love across the North East, at parkrun, trail events, marathons and ultras, come and say hello!

(I’m also the FLANCI traffic cone llama)

Instagram: @trafficconellama

Karen Wilson

I’m Karen Wilson, somehow in my 50’s & totally unaware how that happened. I live just outside Durham with my husband and Lakeland Terrier, Ellie. We have a boat in Cambridgeshire and will often be found chilling out down there at weekends.

I was very active at school, cross country, hockey, netball, weight training but a long history of endometriosis and multiple surgeries meant I wasn’t able to live the active life I envisaged in my younger years. During times of respite I managed to do some fitness activities but never plucked up the courage to run again it felt too much behind me. I did fulfil a dream to learn to scuba dive which I adore (I absolutely love sharks) but don’t get to do it that often.

2005, saw me put my trainers back on to run GNR with my friend who had convinced me to start running again. A few further health problems but finally my 40’s saw me go from strength to strength, finally fit and healthy I am started to live my best life.

I did my first marathon in 2017 (they fed me wine) and have done a few since and for my 50^th in 2019 I did 4 marathons and my first 50k. 2020 brought us all lockdown and I targeted to train for a longer ultra completing Race to the Castle 100k in 2021 with Naomi then The Wall (70m) in 2022. Naomi and I have done a few other things together and lots of plans for the future incoming West Highland Way (our way not the race) planned for 2023.

I’m a back of the pack runner but I figure I am getting value for money and the chance to chat too & meet new people is amazing. There is definitely more in me and can’t wait to get out there and do it.

I have apparently encouraged a few people to take the plunge to start running (if you can’t catch me join me), including my Mam who took up running at 69 & she’s still running many years later. As well as a few friends and we have swapped shopping, high heels & dancing for trainers, hills and adventures. I believe in Dream it, Believe it, Do it (credit to be given to Young Hearts Run Free podcast) some opportunities only come once in a lifetime – make sure you grab them.

I’ve always liked to be bright and colourful and used to buy leggings if they had any splash of colour in them, so finding Flanci in early 2020 was a dream and to have a skort… with pockets – WoW! They have been tested in all weather and over many hours and never give me any issues. But what I love most about Flanci is more than the kit…. it’s the community which is super supportive, encouraging, positive and uplifting and often a good laugh to be had too. You’ve made it this far – come and join us!!

Instagram:@geordiegirl1391

Ian Pullen

Having run my first marathon back in 2013 I have managed to complete 94 since then. While I have enjoyed the journey completing one 50 mile ultra and one 100 mile ultra along the way.

I also managed 10 marathons in 10 days. I also helped in setting up a parkrun and gave back to the community something I am very proud of personally and although I passed the baton on I have loved seeing the event grow from the sidelines and am so impressed with the new event director and her team (if you have never volunteered at parkrun please do it is so rewarding). Covid came along and while I had 20 marathons in 20 days booked in 2020 we didn’t know if it would go ahead right up to the last minute.

I am pleased to say it did and I completed it and raised money for charity in the process. While being one of my proudest running achievements I was deflated afterwards and have struggled since.

I took some time out and now it’s time for a come back I will finish the 100 marathon journey but in the process mix up my fitness so cycling, skating and paddle boarding as well as taking on ice plunges I want to push myself out of my comfort zone.

Follow my journey on my Instagram: ianprunning

Lorna and Nora 

I'm Lorna and together with my dog Nora we compete in the wonderful sport of Heelwork to music. Having recently reached advanced level in both divisions in the sport, Heelwork and Freestyle our most notable achievements to date included 3^rd in the UK Freestyle Final at Crufts 2023 and being selected for the the UK Team for Freestyle as one of 4 dogs in the country that will travel to Italy in October 2023 to represent Great Britain.

Heelwork to music is an intense sport in which dog and handler choregraph routines up to 4 minutes with no rewards given and upwards of 60 moves to memorise and perform as accurately as possible, all while being in time to the music. In order to reach the top level in such a difficult sport training is every day whether it be rain or shine, gale or snow. Flanci products are perfect for this being hard wearing, so can stand up to teeth and claws when performing certain tricks, comfortable and with pockets giving plenty of room for the treats and toys required for dog training.

We are often performing in costumes to help the audience and judges to understand the theme of the routine. I like my clothes to be equally as flamboyant, with designs that stand out, even in a crowd of people wearing things from donkey onesies to salsa dresses.

Sara Fabien

I came to Ultra running quite accidentally when I joined my husband on his latest fad 7 years ago, couch to 5k. Both unfit, in our mid forties and empty nesters - our daughter happily living her best life in South Wales - he promptly went back to cycling and I decided that I quite enjoyed getting mucky on gnarly trails and within 3 months had completed the Ridgeway 86 - my newly joined running club’s flagship event. Thereafter, it just never occurred to me that it wasn’t perfectly normal to go long on the trails and the following August I completed the Race across Scotland. Since then I’ve adventured all over the UK with my patient husband Jason and even more patient beagle Toby in our orange campervan and had  incredible experiences running some of the most stunning trails, Offas Dyke, Welsh Coastal Path, White Horse, West Highland Way, Beacons Way, Snowdonia as well as some toughies like National 3 peaks ultra, Lon Las, Warwickshire Ring Canal amongst many, many others. Today I’ve completed well over 100 ultras and aim to do things that scare me just a little bit - sometimes a lot - whilst exploring the best bits of our incredible land.

Currently navigating peri menopause and all its delightful little surprises, I’m relearning to trust and know my body, this past year focusing on going back and challenging myself to complete stuff that for whatever reason didn’t quite work out the first time round, or finding stuff that takes me out of my comfort zone so I can regain confidence in my ever changing skin but being kind and less demanding of myself mentally. 

In the past year I’ve also taken up quite a bit of  volunteering at events. Being on the other side, watching and assisting is incredibly rewarding and brings a fresh perspective to the trials and tribulations of Ultra running as well as mad and total respect to those who work so hard for their finish lines. 

The ability to move on one owns steam across big distances is a real privilege and I will do anything to be able to do this into my 80s…of late I’ve discovered Pilates and Yoga (I resisted Yoga until I was in my 50s as my dad practiced it and my younger, stupid, foolish self decided it was lame!!!) and the difference it’s made to my outward and inner strength has been life changing - each day I grow in confidence inside my own skin and honestly have never felt so resilient, strong and capable. 

I look forward to bringing colour, fun and flair to the trails and continuing to grow in the accepting, non judgemental and encouraging communities Ultra has led me to. Catch you all out there soon 🧡

Andrea Deller 

I’m a 47 year old married mother of 3 who is dog obsessed!! I’ve worked training Guide Dogs for over 27 years now and love my job. In my spare time I enjoy training, competing, walking, running and paddle boarding with my Border Collie Brea. I started competing with Brea in March 2022 and we currently compete in advanced (the top class) in both Canine Freestyle (think Britain’s Got Talent, Ashley Butler and Pudsey) and Heelwork to Music. We are also on the Team GB Development Squad and have qualified for the Crufts semi finals in both Freestyle and Heelwork to Music due to be held in January 2024. In March this year I had a total hip replacement which obviously meant some enforced rest (I’m not good at that!). So I’m mega pleased that despite this, we’ve managed to achieve our goals so far. We have lots more hard work ahead of us……..but we like a challenge!!

Practicality and comfort has always trumped style for me due to being so active. So as boring as they are I found some black leggings which I pretty much live in. When I saw the FLANCI stall at Dog Fest this year my eyes lit up! OMG active wear with big pockets, longer skorts, soft material that doesn’t go baggy at the knees or fall down, mega comfortable AND a massive choice of colours and patterns…….I was in heaven!

Marie Burton

I am a dog mam of 3 Labradors (Hawkeye, Sirius and Maverick) and wife to my husband Tom. I am your average 40 year old woman going through Perimenopause, working Mon-Fri except I like to run Ultra Marathons in my spare time. I live in Cumbria, with the Lake District on my door step I love running on the trails and usually have Sirius with me. I am a SA survivor and I really want to inspire others who have gone through something similar. I want others to know they are not alone, and we are worthy and we can do hard things! I love how running makes me feel, and I’m not just talking about the physical health benefits. Running makes me feel confident, strong mentally and it makes me feel free. Running has taught me a lot about myself, I know that even though I have gone through some terrible that they don’t define me, and I deserve to do the things I love doing. I do suffer with PTSD and running absolutely helps me with my mental health and give me time for myself. I’ve also made some amazing friends and found a great community. I love Flanci, especially the skorts. Not only are they fun and I can show my personality but they are super comfortable, hardwearing and flattering. So much so that I pretty much wear them all the time now not just while running! You can follow me on Instagram at marie_runs_ultra.