Tom Hollins

Name: Tom Hollins

D.O.B: 16/08/1973

Hometown: Ilkley, West Yorkshire

Sport: Ultra Running

I love exploring new places and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Both together is always best.

Get to know Tom

Tell us about your successes so far?

I have had a few successes at races and have won the Spine race and Spine challenger, Yorkshire 3 peaks ultra and 10 peaks races at short, long and xtreme distance. My main goals though have always been personal challenges and the worse the terrain, worse the weather and longer the distance the better – I’ve completed a mid winter’s day Bob Graham (in high winds and snow), double Bob Graham (solo), Wainwrights round (high winds and rain) and Dales Mountains 30 (solo). I currently hold the FKT for the Dales Mountains 30.

What are you working on? What are your goals for the future?

I am currently working on a plan to complete the 5 UK & Irish rounds (Wicklow, Rankin, Ramsay, Graham, Buckley) in the shortest time period possible. I also have unfinished business with a winter wainwrights round, and having done the Tor des Geants would love a crack at the Tor des Glaciers.

Why do you run? What do you love about running?

To run long enough that you feel at one with your environment. Truly immersed and free.

Which Scarpa shoe is your favourite?

The Spin Ultra – good size toe box but with good midfoot hold, good cushioning but low enough profile to contour well, good grip on a variety of terrain. Most importantly – it’s well built and comfortable for the distance.

Tell us about your best day running?

It has to be my mid winters Bob. The conditions were horrific and I had to link arms with supporters to avoid being blown off the higher tops. Heavy snowfall made navigation very difficult. Supporters were experienced and we did frequent safety checks. Everyone had a big grin on their face and the harder the wind blew the more we smiled. It was a great team effort as well as a personal achievement. I finished in 23hrs54 - 6 minutes inside the cut off. It was my 3rd midwinters day in a row of trying.

What do you do away from your sport?

My wife and I have 5 kids. 3 of them have left home but I am always at my happiest when we are all together. I am a Consultant Anaesthetist and am also the Divisional Director for Women’s & Children’s services at Airedale Hospital. I have a very understanding wife. She is also my main support crew at events.

Where is your #NoPlacetooFar?

I would love to summit Mont Blanc - I’ve never been to the truly high mountains. I would also love to run the length of New Zealand – it’s been 25 years since I was last there and it was the most amazing place on earth.