The UKRunChat podcast.

In this episode, Michelle speaks with Neil Thubron, founder of XNRG and an athlete who has spent decades pushing the limits of endurance. From his early days in the British Army Reserves to multi-day ultras across deserts, mountains and frozen wilderness, Neil has built a life around resilience, purpose and helping others do the same.

Neil shares the story behind his most extreme challenge yet, the Yukon Arctic Ultra, a 300-mile race through –50°C temperatures. He explains how he trained by pulling tyres for hours before dawn, what it was like to run alone through the frozen Canadian wilderness, and the moment he realised he was being followed by wolves.

But the Yukon was about more than the finish line. Neil dedicated the race to raising £3,000 for Grace, a young girl in Uganda who needed complex ear surgery through Humanity Direct — and her video message afterwards remains one of the most emotional moments of his life.

Michelle and Neil also talk about:

• How the Army shaped his mindset and discipline
• Why purpose is the key to getting through the darkest moments
• XNRG’s multi-day events and their fundraising with Humanity Direct and local charities
• The annual Santa Virtual Ultra and how listeners can get involved
• His next big challenge — the Jungle Ultra in Peru
• Advice for anyone preparing for their first multi-day race

Links mentioned:

• XNRG events & Santa Virtual Ultra — xnrgevents.co.uk
• Humanity Direct — humanitydirect.org
• Neil’s book YUCAN — neilthubron.com