#318 Eoin Keith: Barkley Marathons, 6 Day Running Records, Ultra Running in Ireland and much more!
23 February 2026

#318 Eoin Keith: Barkley Marathons, 6 Day Running Records, Ultra Running in Ireland and much more!

Any Given Runday

About

In this episode of the Any Given Runday podcast, ultra runner Eoin Keith (@eoinkeithultra on Instagram) shares his remarkable journey from a non-sporty childhood to becoming one of the most accomplished ultra runners in Ireland. He discusses his transition from marathon running to ultra distances, the challenges he faces during races, and the importance of enjoying the process. Eoin also delves into the unique experiences of the Barkley Marathons, the significance of navigation in ultra running, and how he balances different types of races, including running 900m loops for 6 days, the sleep deprivation, setting records for running the length of the country and his approach to training

22:00 Introduction to Eoin Keith's Journey
24:45 From Pitch and Putt to Ultra Running
27:42 Discovering the Love for Long Distances
30:39 Transitioning from Mountaineering to Running
33:35 The Marathon Experience and Beyond
36:43 The Ultra Running Revelation
39:40 Facing Challenges in Ultra Running
42:38 The Balance of Flat and Trail Ultra Running
45:44 Preparing for Six-Day Races
48:42 The Mental Game in Ultra Running
52:47 Navigating Sleep Deprivation in Ultra Running
55:50 Training for the Unknown: The Challenge of Sleep Deprivation
58:28 Questioning Conventional Running Theories
59:59 The Barkley Marathons: The Ultimate Test of Endurance
64:41 The Rarity of Finishing the Barclay Marathons
67:03 The Key to Completing Ultra Races
69:10 Shifting Focus: Enjoying the Journey Over Competition
72:51 Exploring Multi-Day Races: The Grand Canaria Experience
75:44 The Art O'Neill Challenge: A Test of Navigation and Endurance

Be sure to check out Eoin's blog on:

https://eoinkeith.wordpress.com/

And follow us on Instagram:

@anygivenrundaypodcast


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