Alex Whittaker – Mountain Running

I first heard of the John Taylor foundation grant through friends at training sessions and decided to apply. My main discipline is fell or mountain running and the cost of this specific equipment alongside road running and training shoes, especially whilst at uni, makes it an investment I can’t always afford.

I was successful in my application and with the grant, was able to purchase a replacement pair of trail hiking shoes and 500ml racing flasks for my recent sky running world championship race in Italy. 

The cost of training shoes and extra equipment easily adds up and the financial help provided was greatly appreciated. I am very lucky to also be supported by Scarpa who, alongside the John Taylor foundation helped make my race this summer a success. I placed 8th in both the Vertical Kilometre and the 23km Sky Race disciplines and am really looking forward to future years of racing at these new formats, and hopefully start competing at the senior levels in mountain running.  

The money I saved through the awarded grant was used to fund my flights to the championships and has hugely helped my financial footing when returning to uni this September. 

I am extremely grateful to the John Taylor foundation for their support this year, and for the brilliant work they do supporting athletes in all their racing ambitions!

Thank you!