Pyllon is celebrating its 10th anniversary—a milestone that deserves more than a passing glance. What started in 2014 as a leap into the unknown, a personal coaching project, has evolved into a powerful community where runners push their limits, celebrate resilience, and share the beauty of the journey. For those who know me well, it’s no secret that I'm not one for spotlighting successes. But today, thriving after 10 years, it's not just about how far Pyllon has come; it’s about recognising the people who made it happen—people like you.
The Moment That Sparked a Movement
In 2014, I stepped away from the familiar safety of a corporate job to go “all in” as an athlete and start Pyllon. Back then, ultra-running was an underground passion for many, and there were no roadmaps for what I was trying to create. But there was purpose: to build something authentic that connected people with the ultra life and with each other.
From that initial leap, Pyllon has grown into something more than I could have imagined. It’s become a community built on dedication, shared goals, and the belief that we can all go beyond what we think is possible. Here’s a snapshot of what we've achieved together:
Total Athletes Coached: Over 350
Total Races Supported: Over 3,000
Total Training Plans Created: 4,165
Athletes Going Beyond Their Potential
The true heart of Pyllon has always been its athletes. Watching you push past limits, whether it’s crossing a first finish line or achieving a personal best after setbacks, has been the most rewarding part of the journey. We’ve celebrated over 1,100 personal bests, supported more than 2,200 race completions, and witnessed podium moments that made all the hard work worthwhile. But it’s the stories of resilience and the determination to keep moving forward that remind me why we do this.
Building a Team That Inspires
What began as a solo effort has transformed into a team of passionate coaches who share Pyllon’s mission. Through the years, coaches and athletes have come and gone, but every person has left their mark. One pivotal moment came with the challenges of COVID-19. Like many, I wondered how we’d adapt when races disappeared. But those were the days when Pyllon showed its true strength. The community rallied—Wolf Pack runs, virtual meet-ups, and group strength sessions became our lifeline. Those moments proved that Pyllon is more than coaching; it’s a network that endures.
Moments That Defined Us
Certain memories stand out more than others. Our first Pyllon Endeavour—the double Winter West Highland Way—was a testament to the power of community, raising awareness and funds for SAMH and demonstrating what it means to go beyond. Tackling the Scottish National Trail from Cape Wrath to Kirk Yetholm in winter was another high point, stretching us to our limits and uniting us in ways that extended beyond running.
And it wasn’t just the Endeavours; it was the shared experiences—the crewing, meet-ups, and runs that brought us closer. Pyllon has always been about the rewards of the journey, not the awards at the finish line. Success isn’t just in a podium finish but in the runner who starts with one goal and ends up discovering so much more within themselves.
And of course, there's been the day-to-day joys. Mondays have become one of my favourite days, as I log into TrainingPeaks to see the weekend’s achievements: personal bests, races completed, and goals realised. We’ve now celebrated over 1,100 personal bests and cheered Pyllon athletes to over 2,200 race finishes. Truly remarkable.
And, yes, the messages of disappointment or struggle. Because it’s not always easy, but being part of each other’s journeys, seeing people come back stronger, it’s why we do what we do. I’m constantly inspired by the grit, resilience, and heart that this community shows.
Pyllon XP: Where Connections Are Born
Our Pyllon XP events have become the heart of what we do. From the first gathering in Aviemore, these weekends have been about more than running. They’re where friendships start, ideas are shared, and goals are set with the kind of support that only a like-minded community can provide. Every XP has left us richer in spirit and more connected.
Looking to the Future: Beyond Potential
While we’re celebrating 10 years, we’re only just getting started. We’ve rolled into the first checkpoint. Full of energy. Full of excitement to do more together.
Pyllon has always looked beyond what’s in front of us, exploring what’s possible, and supporting each other in the journey. And if the past decade has taught me anything, it’s that we’re capable of so much more than we know. The road ahead is exciting, and I invite each of you to come along, to keep growing, and to keep challenging what’s possible.
Thank you for being part of this journey, for sharing in the miles, the memories, and the meaning of Pyllon. Here’s to the next decade of going beyond.
Because at Pyllon, we don’t stop. We keep moving, together, always striving for what lies beyond potential.
Here’s to the next 10. #PyllonBeyond10
We are celebrating this Big Birthday with a fun run, some chat, bowls of warm soup and sourdough on December 8th. We’d love for you to join us! Find out more
