Tackling 100km at The Spectacle Ultra Marathon

Keith O’Donohoe, one of Apollo’s Site Managers, recently conquered the 100km ultra marathon at The Spectacle in Nelson, finishing an impressive 4th place after 16.5 hours and 4,000 metres of climbing. We had a chat with Keith about competing at this level of running! 

Q: What got you into running and how has it impacted your life? 

After I stopped playing Mainland Premier football for Halswell and had kids, I wanted to keep fit but train on my own schedule. Running was always part of my life, but it wasn’t until my wife’s brother told me about ultra running – and how these events let you see the country – that I really got hooked. That was six years ago, and it started my ultra-running journey.  

Running has brought my closer to my community through the Halswell Running Club, where I run three times a week with people of all ages and backgrounds. We support each other through events, and it’s had a huge positive impact on my mindset and what I believe my body can achieve. My three boys also see their dad as a role model for fitness and staying in shape…even though I eat a lot of sweets! 

Q: Placing 4th in an ultra-marathon is a huge accomplishment. How did you feel crossing the finish line?  

I think the photo says it all! Seeing the others come in after me completely broken – mentally and physically – was surreal. Many didn’t make the cut-off times.  I finished the last 10km so strong and fast and the crowd really got behind me which was awesome as I was in Nelson on my own, with no family support or pacers (which most people had). . The support from Nelson was incredible. It was an amazing experience and the best organised event I’ve ever done.  

Q: What do you do in the lead up to an event like this?  

I have a very understanding wife who lets me train when I need to. I stick to my three runs a week and mix in some technical climbs for strength – like Avalanche Peak at Arthur’s Pass last month for some vertical metres.  

Q: Any advice for someone thinking about getting into running?  

Running gives you an amazing sense of self-worth. Whether it’s a 5km parkrun or your first 10km, that feeling is empowering. Once you catch the running bug, it’s hard to let go! Joining a running club has been life changing for me – I’ve made lifelong friends just by reaching out and wanting to run. 

Q: What’s next for you?  

I’ve done 50km, 60km, 80km, and now 100km. The next big one would be 100 miles (160km), which is hard to even think about – but who knows? My wife suggested I mix it up with swimming and cycling, that’s called an Ironman!! For now, I’ve got a half marathon next week in Pegasus, which I won as a prize. I haven’t told my wife yet – let’s see how the body feels this week!