Shadowlands: Spencer Booth Catch Up

After four races of the Shadowlands Winter Trail Series the MV50 category was bagged by Spencer Booth.  His dogged determination to get to each race and make his body finish each run has paid off with a deserved title.  He could even afford to miss race 5 at Lonesome Pine but he intends to get back on the line for a sort of victory lap at The Duergar Run this Saturday.  What makes this story even more pleasing is that Spencer had a big setback when he had his sights set on the Cheviot Goat but ultimately had to pull out due to injury.  He recovered in time for the Shadowlands.  Let’s hear a bit from Spencer.

Before we talk about Shadowlands tell us a bit about yourself?

I joined the Army quite old, just shy of 27 as a Electronics Engineer in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. The wife and I had 10 army homes and we lived in Germany for 6 years. Obviously physical fitness plays a huge roll and that’s where I developed a love for it…. Physical activity instils healthy competition, camaraderie and discipline, all essential for military life.

What drew you into taking part in the Shadowlands Winter Trail Series?

I was originally going to use this as a recovery from the Goat 2025 and to have a goal over the winter period. The routes were a big appeal, something a bit different and what’s not like about the Kielder area.

Being in the MV50 category. how do you manage to keep your body in good shape? I know you’ve had some injuries to cope with.

I work in the centre of Newcastle, it’s 10km one way. A friend said you have the perfect way to keep fit and train for ultramarathons…. commuting by running and cycling. It doesn’t impact on my day, the training is consistent and I live at the top of a big hill! Obviously I didn’t need much persuasion.

A massive well done from me for managing to take the MV50 category series title in the Shadowlands in just four races. Did it go as well as you planned?

Thank you. I really felt it on the Osprey, knee was hurting, legs were sore and found it hard to catch my breath. Eight weeks off took its toll. The descent from Deadwater Fell was great, pretty smooth, fast down hill….. It was good to pick up the pace.

If you were going to pick one race from the series so far as a favourite, what would it be and why?

The WW is always a great race, but it was spectacular this year…..I love the snow. Though I could have done without that very cheeky last hiil!

You’ve got the Goat at the end of 2026 lined up. What is your training plan between now and then?

Plan is to continue building up the strength in my knee and get back into full commute mileage…around 45-55 miles per week. I have the Pennine Barrier 50 in May, we’ll see how that goes. After which it will be a cycle of recovery followed by build up, with a few long days out in the Cheviots thrown in.

What future plans do you have?

I really enjoyed the Pilgrims 100km last year, so the 100mile is on the list as is the Lakeland 100. Looking forward to helping outwith a few events too, give a little back to the trail running community.