Underground, overground, running free!

Emma Chaplin
, 02 April 2025
Underground, overground, running free!
Aileen Raynos

Aileen Raynos is passionate about running - and wildlife. She's combining the two by running the massive 100km, London 2 Brighton Ultra Challenge, which takes place over 24-25 May, in support of Sussex Wildlife Trust. We caught up with her to find out more about her. 

SUPPORT AILEEN HERE 

Tell us a bit about yourself

I'm a mum of an eight year old daughter and 10 year old terrier! I live in Cowfold, West Sussex. I work in digital marketing but my real passion is running. I took up running eight months before becoming pregnant with my daughter. I kept running through my pregnancy, then five weeks after having my daughter, was back in my running shoes again.

I am a member of Henfield Joggers Running Club and enjoy running on the South Downs.

And your London 2 Brighton Ultra Challenge?

I have run many marathons, and was keen to set myself a new challenge. I ran my first Ultra last year (38 miles, the full length of the Downs Link) and wanted to step on from there. I have never run close to 100km so this is a big challenge!

What training have you been doing, and how’s it been going?

Training is going well. Recently I ran the Tunnel Marathon, which is the UK's only fully underground marathon in old navy bunkers in Portsmouth. A helmet and head torch were mandatory.

The marathon was 91 loops of the tunnel network. I wanted to challenge myself both mentally and physically with this marathon to help prep for running 100km and although it was tough, I really enjoyed it. I completed the course in 3hrs 34 mins.

Thank you for supporting the Trust – why is wildlife important to you?

I've always loved wildlife and nature. Humans are doing a lot to harm it, therefore we need to do what we can to help protect it. It's a very worthy cause!

Where are your favourite wild place in Sussex?

The South Downs National Park holds a special place in my heart as I have spent so many enjoyable hours running across it. We are so lucky in Sussex to be surrounded by such beautiful countryside.

I also love visiting Woods Mill with my daughter, it's a great place for kids to explore nature.

Click to SUPPORT AILEEN

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