Martin Thomerson
Brathay 262 Rider
I’ve been cycling, running and hillwalking for over 30 years. After some early forays into endurance cycling, such as riding across Spain, completing Lands End to John O’Groats and a 230-mile ride, I pursued challenges that were more mountain-based. I’m a keen fell runner and was the first person to have climbed all the Wainwright and Nuttall peaks of England and Wales twice.
For the past 15 years, I’ve focused mostly on running, completing 100 marathons and ultramarathons, with a 2:50 marathon best and 13 x 100-mile ultras, including the prestigious UTMB in the Alps. I’ve published two books on my running and cycling exploits.
During this time, I’ve always used cycling as part of my ultra-running training; the two sports complement each other brilliantly.
In 2019, after a serious bike crash, I was diagnosed with osteopenia (weak bones) and this made me prioritise cycling over running again. The Brathay 262 fits perfectly with my goal of challenging myself and pushing my limits, without risk of suffering further fractures. Brathay Trust is a fantastic charity that makes incredible differences to young people’s lives.
I’ve been married for 22 years to Clair, with two teenage sons, Kieran and Harry.
Experience
- 1985: Bought my first road bike!
- 1992: Cycled 900 miles across Spain
- 1994: First 100 mile ride
- 2000: Lands End to John O'Groats (900 miles in 9 days)
- 2001: Coast to Coast (125 miles)
- 2003: Longest ride increased to 230 miles
- 2020: All 75 climbs in Simon Warren's book “Cycling Climbs of NW England”
- 2020: Longest ride increased to 251 miles (solo unsupported)
- 2021: Longest ride increased to 312 miles (solo unsupported)