Sharongayter.com

Sharon Gayter is a distinguished British ultra-distance runner renowned for her remarkable achievements in endurance events worldwide. Her official website serves as a comprehensive repository of her athletic journey, accomplishments, and contributions to the ultra-running community.

Early Career and Transition to Ultra-Running

Sharon’s foray into serious running began in 1994 at the age of 30, when she completed her first 100km and 24-hour races. Astonishingly, she secured gold in the National Championships for both events that year, becoming the only person to clinch both titles simultaneously. This impressive feat earned her the first international vest, marking the commencement of a prolific career representing her country.

International Representation and Records

Between 1994 and 2011, Sharon represented her country on 27 occasions, amassing several medals and additional National Championship titles. Her personal bests include a 100km time of 8 hours and 12 minutes, a 12-hour distance of 128.8km, and a 24-hour distance covering 226km (140 miles).

Notable Achievements

In 2011, Sharon achieved the World Number 1 ranking for a 6-day road event, setting a British Record of 750km—a race she won outright. That same year, she conquered “La Ultra-The High,” the world’s highest race, spanning 222km at altitudes reaching approximately 18,000 feet in the Himalayas. She not only outpaced male competitors but also shattered the existing course record by over 11 hours. Additionally, she broke the Guinness World Record for the furthest distance run on a treadmill in 7 days, covering 833km—surpassing the previous female record by over 100 miles (160km) and the male record by nearly 50 miles (80km).

Diverse Racing Portfolio

Sharon’s racing repertoire is extensive, encompassing over 30,000 miles across more than 1,600 races, meticulously documented in 66 scrapbooks. By October 2016, her record included 186 ultra-marathons, 114 marathons, and 119 off-road races of near-marathon distance, totaling 419 events of 24 miles or more. Her experiences span various terrains and climates, including deserts like the Libyan Challenge and Badwater Ultramarathon, multi-stage races such as Marathon des Sables and Trans-Alpine, and extreme conditions like the Fire and Ice 250km.

Autobiography: “The Clock Keeps Ticking”

Sharon’s autobiography, “The Clock Keeps Ticking,” delves into her life story, chronicling her evolution from a marathon runner to a world record-breaking ultra-distance athlete. The book provides an intimate look into her motivations, challenges, and the relentless pursuit of her goals, including her Guinness World Record achievement running from Land’s End to John O’Groats. The autobiography is available for purchase exclusively through her website, offering readers an inspiring and personal narrative of her journey.

Current Endeavors and Future Aspirations

As a veteran athlete over 50, Sharon continues to participate in long-distance events, albeit at a different pace. Her passion for running remains undiminished, with aspirations to break more world records and explore new races. She maintains an active presence on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter (@sgayter), where she shares updates and engages with the running community.

Website Overview

Launched in 2003, Sharon’s website predates the surge of social media, serving as a platform for followers to track her progress and race involvements. The site is regularly updated, particularly the news page, providing insights into her latest endeavors, achievements, and upcoming events. It also features sections detailing her training regimes, personal bests, race history, sponsorships, and a gallery of images capturing significant moments from her career. For those interested in direct communication, the website offers contact information, fostering a connection between Sharon and her supporters.

Conclusion

Sharon Gayter’s official website stands as a testament to her dedication, resilience, and extraordinary accomplishments in the realm of ultra-distance running. It offers an in-depth look into the life of an athlete who has continually pushed the boundaries of human endurance, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their own goals with unwavering determination.