Having been a serious runner since the age of 7, when she competed on track in 200m and hurdles, Gemma then had the honour of being selected as Sports Captain at school, leading teams in lacrosse, netball and athletics. However, it wasn’t until she was 19 and at University (studying Psychology and Sports Psychology) that she discovered the pure joy of running longer distances and raced her first marathon. It wasn’t pretty but she finished in 3:40. There was no turning back after that!

 

Gemma – As a running coach and personal trainer (which has been my job for the last 8 years), I balance my training around work- even if this means very early starts or late nights on the track! My job brings me the joys of seeing others succeed and achieve in their own personal goals; this never grows old.

 

Over many years completing numerous marathons in search of quicker times, I turned my attention to ultras and in particular, trail running, with my first ultra overall win in 2011- Chiltern Hills Ultra and a few months after at the Fairlands Valley Ultra.

 

From there I competed in dozens of 50 milers and a few longer races, searching for better and better performances, trying to reach my full athletic potential. After years of frustrating close 2nd places (Malvern Hills 52miler, Caesar’s Camp 50, NDW 50), I knew I had to dedicate myself entirely to the search of my dream: to compete for GB.

 

Come 2014 and the hard work was starting to pay off with wins at the competitive Downslink Ultra, the Henley Half Marathon and a joint 6th at the British Trail Ultra Championships.

 

2015 was a great year with a string of wins, podium places and PB’s such as: Suffolk Trail Ultra 50 miler- 1st place, Battersea Innovation 10km-1st place and Shakespeare Rotary Marathon- 2nd place.

 

In March 2015, I thought it would be a good idea to spend a long time running on the spot and successfully achieved the ‘Guinness World Record’ for the Fastest Female Treadmill 50km’

 

 

I am thrilled and honoured that this year I have been selected to compete for England in the upcoming Anglo Celtic Plate 100km Championships in Perth, Scotland. My first international vest.

 

Later on in the year, I have plans to target the London Marathon with a championship place there and to better my times at the North Downs Way 50 miler and Lakeland 50 in the summer.

 

I am delighted to have been selected to join the TORQ Performance Running Team and be part of a team which represents a brand whose products I genuinely believe in, having used them for years and years due to their high quality and great results.

 

TORQ is delighted to have Gemma on the team for the 2016 season and we wish her the very best of luck.

 

The TORQ Performance Running Team is sponsored by the following and without them, we would not be able to do what we do, thank you:

 

Scimitar – Triathlon and Cycle Apparel

Zero Point – Compression Wear

USE Exposure – Running Headtorches

Dunerunner – Races & Events

ODO Sport – Kit Revamp & Refresh Products

Amphibia – Equipment Bags