Wilderness Running is headed up by experienced ultrarunner Vanessa Kellie. Vanessa has competed in races from 5k to 268 miles and is a UK Athletics qualified run leader (LiRF) and coach (CiRF).
She is passionate about helping runners achieve their potential through supporting their training and providing encouragement and advice.
Wilderness Running specifically caters to 'back of the packers', runners returning after a break, 'Jeffers', runners stepping up to a new distance and those who want to try trail running in a relaxed, supportive setting. We will of course welcome runners of all abilities, but our guided runs will always be at a leisurely pace.
My Story
I wasn't a sporty child. Or teenager. Or young adult...
At the age of 40 and after having had three children I took up running as a way of shifting some weight. I had been gradually building up my walking up until this point, and had completed The Race to the King double marathon as a two day hike so I wasn't totally new to endurance sport, but running was HARD!
I started my running career somewhat by accident when I meant to sign up for the village 4k event, but on seeing children in the queue I panicked thinking the 4k was a kids race (it wasn't) and heading to the 10k registration instead. Five minutes later I was on the startline of a 10k race having not run a single mile. Needless to say this isn't an approach I would recommend!
Since starting running in 2017 I have built up the mileage, and have completed over 60 marathons and ultramarathons either in training or as races. Highlights include:
Winter Downs 100 (2024) 8th female
Crossing Switzerland 246 miles (2024)
Summer Spine Race 268 miles (2023) 8th female
Cotswold Way Century 104 miles (2023) 5th female
The Desert Ultra 250k - Namibia (2022) 2nd female/ 10th overall
Wild Horse 200 mile - South Wales (2022) 3rd female
Ultra X World Championships 250k (2022) qualifier/ finisher
Ultra X Azores 125k (2021) 3rd FV40
Two Tunnels 50k (2021) 2nd female
Race to the Stones 100k (2021) 8th FV40
Thames Path 100 mile (2021) 7th female/ 2nd FV40
Autumn 100 mile (2020) 2nd FV40
White Horse 50 miles (2020) 3rd female
Holder of several FKTs (Fastest Known Times)
I am currently training for Arc of Attrition 25 and looking forward to my 2nd attempt at The Tunnel Ultra in 2025
In 2025 I will also be attempting my longest run yet at the Oslo to Bergen Trail 500k!