Sporting achievements are not just for the pupils at Charterhouse. Tim Ostle, our Commercial Director, has proven himself to be a formidable athlete as well.
UltraX Spring Series
Tim recently competed in the UltraX Spring Series, a gruelling 50km trail run over the Surrey Hills. Accompanied by his wife, a 'serious' ultra marathon runner who dangled the carrot by maintaining a steady 30 metres lead, Tim completed the race in 7 hours and 49 minutes, securing 8th place in his age group. The race presented not only the challenge of distance and over 1100m of ascent but also horrific conditions, including stretches of boggy, ankle-deep mud throughout.
The run took Tim south from Haslemere through Liphook to Rake, near Petersfield, before looping east taking in Lythe Hill before returning to Haslemere.
After a strong first 40km Tim hit a psychological and physical wall in the last 10km. Determined not to stop, a tough, slow trudge to the finish saw him cross the line alongside his wife.
The best thing about ultra running is that it’s such a supportive environment. It’s all about finishing, not about the race. As I was turning 60 at the beginning of May, I had a mental bucket list of things I want to achieve. I have never even run a marathon before but with a wife who regularly runs 100-mile ultras, I was inspired to have a go (at a shorter distance) and I’m delighted to have ticked it off!
Tim Ostle, Commercial Director
Rowing Success
Tim’s sporting prowess extends to the water as well. As a junior, he achieved a National Silver medal and competed twice at Henley Royal Regatta. After a 37-year hiatus whilst establishing his career, family etc, Tim returned to rowing in 2017 and joined the Guildford Rowing Club, competing at Masters (veterans) level. He has since accumulated several victories, rowing as a stroke in either fours or eights. Despite the average age of his current crew being over 65 years, they have proven their mettle in the Masters G category, even outperforming younger crews.
Just two weeks after his Ultra success, Tim’s Masters G VIII clinched victory over a Masters D crew and then went on to triumph over a Masters E boat in the coxless fours category in the 500m sprints at the recent Shrewsbury Regatta.
London to Paris Rowing Challenge
In 2010 Tim and a crew of 11 other oarsmen rowed 500 miles from London to Paris in a Thames Waterman Cutter as part of the London to Paris Rowing Challenge, along with two other crews.
Congratulations to Tim for his remarkable sporting achievements at the age of 60! His dedication and success serve as an inspiration to us all.
