Tom Evans joined Lewes AC in 2016, started competing as an Ultra Runner in 2017 and is now one of the world’s leading competitors.
In just three years he has placed third in the 251km desert Ultra Marathon De Sables (2017), achieved an amazing first place in the 101km CCC race at Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc (2018) then in the same year won and broke the course records in the Coastal Challenge Costa Rica and the South Downs Way. In 2019 he was third in the Western States race and broke the record for the fastest time by an overseas athlete.
Kate Matthews caught up with Tom for a chat about his background, training and how he is dealing with changes following isolation and Coronavirus.
Kate: Who are you?
Tom: My Name is Tom Evans, I am a 28 year old endurance athlete based in the UK. I am from Sussex but now live in Loughborough. I run for Lewes AC. I am sponsored by Adidas, Red Bull and Garmin. My coach is Andy Hobdell.
Kate: Do you work around doing athletics?
Tom: No, I am lucky enough to be able to be a full-time athlete. I was in the British Army till last summer but now get to fully focus and concentrate on my running.
Kate: What are your favourite distances/disciplines?
Tom: I predominantly run on the trails in ultra distances (100km – 100 miles). I also race from Cross Country to the marathon. I represented Team GB at the European Cross Country Championships in 2019. I am now in training for London Marathon 2021 and hoping to get a spot on the Olympic Team. I love training for the marathon because it’s honest and keeps you accountable. It’s such a challenging distance and you have to be fully prepared, you can’t hide on race day! 
Kate: How did you get into athletics i.e age, club? Was the distance/discipline above always your favourite or did you start in one and change later on?
Tom: I started running competitively pretty late in life and started with ultra distances. Growing up I played lots of team sports, mainly rugby. I joined Lewes AC in 2016 and it’s been amazing. The support has been outstanding and the Sussex XC Championships are one of my favourite races.
Kate: What do you love/hate about the sport?
Tom: I love the feeling after a really hard training session, it keeps me focussed and helps to keep a perspective on life. It can be really hard when you’re injured but if you surround yourself with the right people then they will help get you back training when the time comes.
Kate: What is your most proud athletics' achievement moment?
Tom: Either winning the CCC 100km race in the French Alpes or racing and getting the team gold at the European Cross-Country Championships in 2019.
Kate: What has been the toughest moment?
Tom: Being injured at the end of summer 2019. It was hard to stay focussed but I just got through one day at a time and was running well a month or two later.
Kate: How often do you train (in normal times) and type of things this includes?
Tom: I typically train 2/3 times per day. The majority of my training is running (approx. 120 miles per week) but also spend time in the gym. I do 2 hard sessions per week and one longer faster run. 
Kate: Other than actual achievements/PBs, what has being part of athletics brought to your life?
Tom: It has helped to keep me grounded and honest and I think a better person. You learn the value of hard work and self-motivation which are really useful in normal society.
Kate: What would you say to younger people wanting to get started?
Tom: Get involved in your local club and run with a smile, that always seems to help!!
Kate: What would you change about the sport?
Tom: More competition at grass roots level to help inspire the younger generations and show them that athletes are also normal people!
Kate: Favourite athlete (past or present)?
Tom: Emil Zatopek
Kate: Any other favourites i.e food, music?
Tom: I love baking bread! We have also got chickens in the garden for eggs – we are trying to become more self-sufficient!
Kate: How are you managing to keep fit/train during Corona? Any tips for others?
Tom: I have tried to keep as much normality as possible with timings etc. Having said that, my training has backed off a little bit as there is now no rush to get into peak shape. My top tip would be to stay patient and to stay hungry, we will race again.