William Goodge
Ultra Runner
Will Goodge is a British endurance athlete and philanthropist, recognised for his extraordinary ultra-running feats. Motivated by the loss of his mother to cancer, Goodge turned to running to honour her memory and support others in similar battles.
He has completed challenges like becoming the fastest Brit to run across the US in 2023 as well as completing a marathon in every county in England, and participating in numerous ultra-marathons, often raising significant funds and awareness for cancer research and other causes.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Goodge takes to social media to share his insights on perseverance, mental toughness, and the importance of giving back with a wide audience.
“The reason we do these really long efforts or put ourselves through so much physically is to find those moments of 'I wanna quit', and exercising that muscle of shutting that part down in your brain and saying, 'I'm gonna take another step anyway.'" - William Goodge
What is your pre-race ritual?
Outside of the standard procedure of warming up properly, having a light but carb heavy breakfast, hydrating but not overly and getting into my own head with music. I like to give thanks for the opportunity of what I’m about to take on, I invite the hardship coming my way, almost like a pre-war mantra of respecting my opponent and wanting the best from it, so I too can give my best. My final note when the gun goes off is to kiss the tattoos on my family hand, the intertwined crosses for my brother, the ‘GG’ for my dad and finally the lavender for my mum, which I will then point and look to the sky to let her know she’s given me everything I ever needed to be here and to complete what I’m setting out to do.
What is your favourite meal after a workout?
Breakfast is king so I’ll be hitting some eggs, usually scrambled, bacon or smoked salmon and toast. That and a smoothie packed out with fruits, vegetables, protein, creatine, collagen and other super food powders.
What’s are your non negotiable items going into an ultra?
Fuel and electrolytes are king, so my Core 500 Melonberry and Citrus cans get an immediate nod alongside the Chocolate Fuel bars. Music is something I love for periods mixed with just being out there in it, as nature intended.
What got you into running?
The simultaneous events of losing my mum to cancer and the end of my rugby career in 2018. I had a lot of space and a lot of pain and talking about it wasn’t something I found much comfort in. Running became my therapist and my expression of the pain I was feeling, it was a physical outcry, but it was something that let me get my pain out in a positive way.
What does Daily Discipline mean to you?
It’s the subconscious drive to keep moving towards a goal. Something that’s so engrained into your soul, that you don’t often have to think about or repeat to yourself. The unseen force that leads to every action.