An excellent addition to the 2020 Fast10 is mountain runner Zak Hanna. The youngster has represented Ireland multiple times and is most at home going a big hill.

Profile

Name: Zak Hanna
Age (Jan 2020): 24
Hometown: Dromara, Northern Ireland
Club: Newcastle & District AC
Main discipline: Mountain running
Other disciplines: Cross Country
Full-time athlete/work/studying: Work

Goals or targets for 2020

-To continue developing and learning as a runner

-Wear the Irish singlet again

-Improve on my results from last year

-Continue travelling to and racing in more amazing countries

-Carry on enjoying this amazing sport and the opportunities it can bring

Past Running highlights

-6th overall 2019 WMRA Mountain Running World Cup
-4th International Snowdon Race
-1st Mamores Vertical Kilometre
-1st Slieve Donard race 2017
-Irish Novice XC Champion 2018
-Ulster Intermediate XC Champion 2019
-Getting my first Irish cap in 2016
-Breaking Robbie Bryson’s course record on the Slieve Binnian uphill race

Interesting or fun facts

-Before I was a runner I was used to be a keen showjumper and cyclist

-I have a dog called Corragh, a collie/whippet cross named after Slieve Corragh, a mountain in the Mournes

-I have a massive sweet tooth for Haribo and Kinder bars, anyone who has been away with me to a race abroad will know this!

-I was interviewed back in 2011 for Lord Sugar’s Young Apprentice

-When I’m not running I love to follow football, my teams are Rangers, Glenavon and of course Northern Ireland.

I run because…

As Rocky Balboa said ‘Because I can’t sing or dance’!

Now for the serious part…It is a great way to disconnect from all the negativity that is hampering today’s modern world, especially when in the mountains where you are at one with nature. The freedom of running is a feeling like no other; and the people I have met along the way are also what makes this sport special.

Favourite training session

Long uphill tempos in the Mournes

Least favourite training session

Anything on the track-I always feel like a hamster on a wheel when I end up on it.

Favourite pre-race food

Nothing beats a good steak with some pasta!

Favourite post-race food

Pizza is always a good shout, especially when racing in Italy!

Favourite runner or runners

John Lenihan (1991 World Mountain Running Champion) is number one on my list. Kenny Stuart is also up there, I’m massive fan of the old school runners.

Brands or organisations that support me

Salomon and Suunto

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