Ian Gilham
Brathay 10in10 Athlete
My name is Ian Gilham, and although I was born and raised in Wolverhampton, I now live just outside London. Running and endurance sport have been a central part of my life for many years, shaping not only how I spend my time but also how I set goals and challenge myself to keep growing.
I’m motivated to take on the Brathay 10in10 because it represents one of the toughest tests of endurance there is: ten marathons in ten days. For me, it’s not just about the physical challenge, but about testing resilience, consistency, and determination day after day. I’ve always believed in pushing beyond comfort zones, and the 10in10 offers exactly that – an opportunity to explore what’s possible when you commit wholeheartedly to something daunting.
Sport has given me so much over the years. I’ve been fortunate to represent Great Britain in age group triathlon for the past 16 years, competing against some of the best athletes in the world while travelling to incredible events across Europe and beyond. In 2023, I completed the Marathon des Sables, often described as the toughest footrace on Earth – a 250km ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert. That experience reinforced for me the power of mindset, preparation, and community, and it remains one of the proudest achievements of my life.
But while these milestones are personal, I believe strongly that endurance challenges should also serve a bigger purpose. That’s why raising money for young people through Brathay is so important to me.
I know how transformative it can be to have someone believe in you and support your potential, especially at a time in life when confidence and opportunity can feel out of reach. Brathay’s work with vulnerable and disadvantaged young people helps them build resilience, find direction, and see new possibilities for their future.
Every step of this challenge will be fuelled by the knowledge that the effort goes far beyond my own goals. It’s about helping to give young people the same chance I’ve had: to discover their strengths, overcome barriers, and achieve things they may never have thought possible. If running has taught me anything, it’s that progress is built one step at a time – and together, we can help the next generation move forward with hope and belief.
Experience
- 2017 World Triathlon Championships – Rotterdam
- 2018 World Triathlon Championships – Australia
- 2019 World Triathlon Championships – Lausanne
- 2021 World Triathlon Championships – Valencia
- 2022 World Triathlon Championships – Montreal
- 2022 Chiltern Challenge 50k
- 2023 Marathon des Sables
- 2023 World Triathlon Championships – Pontevedra
- 2024 World Triathlon Championships – Torremolinos
- 2025 World Duathlon Championships – Pontevedra
- 2025 European Triathlon Championships – Istanbul