Jez ran his first ultra run in 2004 at the Marathon of Britain (175 Miles in 6 days). He followed this by the Grand Union Canal 145 Miles Race and the West Highland Way 95 Miles Race.

2007 was a successful year for Jez, finishing first at the Anglo Celtic Plate 100km and also representing Great Britain at the World/European Championship in the Netherlands.

Views on the Commonwealth Championships

NK: What are your thoughts on running in the Commonwealth Series?

JB: It is fantastic to see ultra distance running getting the recognition it deserves by having its own Commonwealth Championship.

NK: The thing you are most looking forward to?

JB: Running in the Lake District will be superb.

Get to know Jez

Most memorable athletic moment: Setting the West Highland Way record in 2006.

If you were not a runner: A road cyclist.

Biggest supporter: His mum and the memory of his dad.

Dominic is a UK 100 km champion having won the race in 2005 & 2008. He also won the AAA of England Championships in 2006.

He has won medals at both European and World level championships and has won 8 marathons in his athletics career.

Views on the Commonwealth Championships

DC: It is a privilege to represent my country in the inaugural Commonwealth Series.

DC: I am looking forward to racing against the best athletes from the Commonwealth on a really tough course.

Get to know Dominic

Most memorable athletic moment: Winning the AAA of England 50km Championships in 2006.

Training: Weekly sessions include tempo runs, intervals and long mileage.

Biggest supporters: His wife, children and parents.

Chris has represented Great Britain seven times and England four times in international ultra-distance competitions.

He has competed at the IAU 100km World Championships, European 24hr Championships and the IAU 24hr World Challenge.

Chris remains the only person to complete all of his London Marathons under 3 hours.

Views on the Commonwealth Championships

CF: This will be my first international appearance at a major games.

CF: I’m looking forward to reaching the last hour in strong shape with a great performance.

Get to know Chris

Most memorable moment: Completing 151 miles in a 24hr race.

Training: Around 50 miles of varied running each week.

Marathon celebrities: Haile Gebrselassie or Paula Radcliffe.

Martin has been a regular at international ultra events including the IAU 24hr World Challenge and Australian Ultramarathon Championships.

His achievements include top ten finishes at world championships and victories in several major Australian ultra races.

Views on the Commonwealth Championships

MF: I see the Series as an exciting opportunity to represent my country in the 24 Hour event.

MF: Visiting the Lake District is something I have always wanted to do.

Get to know Martin

Most memorable athletic moment: Top ten finish at the 2008 World 24 Hour Championships.

Training: Weekly mileage ranges from 80K to 160K.

Biggest supporters: His wife Lynn and son Luke.

Sharon began her international career in 1994 and has represented Great Britain 23 times in the 100 km and 24hr events.

She recently broke the British indoor 24hr record with a distance of 219 km.

Views on the Commonwealth Championships

SG: It’s fantastic that ultra distance running is finally being recognised in this way.

SG: Competing locally means friends and family can watch me in an international vest.

Get to know Sharon

Most memorable athletic moment: Winning her first international medal in 1995.

Training: Around 80 miles weekly with speed work, hill reps and long runs.

Biggest supporter: Her husband Bill.

Matt enjoyed a strong 2008 season with several ultra-distance race victories and a second-place finish in the Anglo Celtic Plate 100km.

His 100km time became the second fastest in the UK over the distance.

Views on the Commonwealth Championships

MK: This is an extremely exciting opportunity for ultra-distance athletes.

MK: It’s great that ultra-distance running is getting wider recognition.

Get to know Matt

Most memorable athletic moment: Completing the Grand Union Canal Race.

If not a runner: Fat.

Biggest supporter: His wife Cath.

Emma entered ultra running only a few years earlier but quickly became British 100km Champion and competed at World and European Championships.

She has achieved personal bests across distances from 5km to 100km.

Views on the Commonwealth Championships

EM: It will be an honour to take part and help bring publicity to ultra running.

EM: Wearing the England kit will be very special.

Get to know Emma

Most memorable moment: Completing her first 100K in Cardiff.

Training: Between 50–70 miles weekly.

Biggest supporter: Her husband.

Valerie has represented New Zealand seven times in the 100km and 24hr World Challenge events.

She is also a two-time New Zealand 100km champion.

Views on the Commonwealth Championships

VM: Great way to raise the profile of ultra running.

VM: Special because the event is held in her place of birth.

Get to know Valerie

Most memorable athletic moment: Winning her first New Zealand medal.

Training: 120–160 km weekly.

Biggest supporter: Her husband John.

Lucy set the women’s record for the West Highland Way race and won the CCC Tour de Mont Blanc 98km race.

She also represented Great Britain at the IAU 100km World Cup.

Views on the Commonwealth Championships

LS: Representing Scotland in the UK will be a huge motivation.

LS: Looking forward to meeting competitors and running in such a prestigious event.

Get to know Lucy

Most memorable moment: Winning the Tour de Mont Blanc race.

Training: More than 100 miles weekly at times.

Celebrity training partner: Paula Radcliffe.

Vicky has enjoyed a decorated ultra-distance career including victories in the London to Brighton race and Grand Union Canal Race.

She has also ranked highly in world 24hr competitions.

Views on the Commonwealth Championships

VS: This will be the most prestigious race I have competed in.

VS: Looking forward to support from spectators and friends.

Get to know Vicky

Most memorable moment: Finishing the Grand Union Canal Race in 2007.

Training: 70–120 miles weekly across 10–11 sessions.

Biggest supporter: Her husband Leigh.