The UKRunChat podcast.

Neil Thubron: Founder of XNRG • Endurance athlete


Listen Later

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
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The UKRunChat podcast.By UKRunChat


More shows like The UKRunChat podcast.

View all
Marathon Talk by Deena Kastor & Martin Yelling

Marathon Talk

180 Listeners

The Martin Lewis Podcast by BBC Radio 5 Live

The Martin Lewis Podcast

64 Listeners

Test Match Special by BBC Radio 5 Live

Test Match Special

299 Listeners

Happy Place by Fearne Cotton

Happy Place

1,138 Listeners

Runner's World Podcast by Runner's World UK

Runner's World Podcast

54 Listeners

RunPod by Global

RunPod

59 Listeners

Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe by Keep It Light Media / Spotify Studios

Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe

955 Listeners

The Women's Running Podcast by Esther Newman

The Women's Running Podcast

92 Listeners

The Running Channel Podcast by The Running Channel

The Running Channel Podcast

150 Listeners

The Rest Is Entertainment by Goalhanger

The Rest Is Entertainment

837 Listeners

The Long Run Show by FORDY RUNS

The Long Run Show

10 Listeners

The Tea & Trails Podcast by Edwina Sutton & Gary Thwaites

The Tea & Trails Podcast

11 Listeners

The Runna Podcast by Runna

The Runna Podcast

44 Listeners

Begin Again with Davina McCall by Begin Again

Begin Again with Davina McCall

575 Listeners

Paula's Run Club by Momentum Broadcast

Paula's Run Club

17 Listeners