SWISS ALPS, THE SPINE, AND A SECOND LIFE: THE SAVING ROLE OF ULTRAS IN A UNIQUE RUNNER’S STORY

Many of us start ultra running to push our limits, boost our confidence, or discover new places. Not many have found in it a “healthy addiction” that helps us move away from a darker past and danger of relapse. For TrailSkin ambassador Gareth Jones, the story is a little different. Here’s how he went through hell and back, to now conquer trails, roads, and seas with an unbeatable mindset.

Sitting in a Prison Cell with a Spork: A Turning Point

Gareth’s ultra running “origin story” is rooted in a profound personal turnaround. About ten years ago, he was a heavy drug user, in and out of trouble with the police and close to prison, feeling that his life could easily end in addiction or violence. A near-miss with a serious criminal charge and the loss of a friend to an overdose became a breaking point, prompting him to change course, join the military, and gradually rebuild his life. 

During COVID lockdown, struggling with anxiety and the loss of structure from his usually high-tempo work, he turned to running instead of returning to drugs, and discovered a new purpose. Starting with the cheapest pair of trainers and an easy 5k from home, Gareth progressed to 50 miles quite quickly. He kept organising self-supported challenges to see how far he’d get, culminating in a 200-mile run home from where the train had dropped him off. 

Running became his “good addiction” and a way to live out the vision he’d always secretly had of himself: a disciplined soldier and a family man… and now a role model who uses big races and extreme challenges to tell his story and inspire others to believe that complete transformation is possible.

From Home-Made Adventures to the World’s Toughest Endurance Challenges

So, how did Gareth turn to some iconic races like the Marathon des Sables, Swiss Alps, and the upcoming winter Spine Race? The escalation had an intensity suited to his personality, but also the influence of his loving family.  One day, he had to promise that he would switch from self-supported adventures to organised races so he would run in a safer environment, at the request of his wife.

But this didn’t mean going “small”: the next step was searching for “the world’s toughest races” and landing on Race Across Scotland, the Marathon des Sables, Swiss Alps 100 Miles and Ultra-Trail Snowdonia by UTMB 100 Miles, among others. Plus, why not throw in triathlon? This year, Gareth also completed Ironman Wales, showing the strength of one of his mantras: “You can really achieve anything you put your mind to.”

When asked why he does so many extreme races, he shares how he uses running as his “storyboard”: “It’s a way to show people you can come from a little dead-end valley in Wales and race in Switzerland.” It’s not about the position, but about completing fantastic challenges that will hopefully inspire others to develop positive passions and believe in themselves. On his Instagram account, Gareth recently shared a belief that “you don’t need to feel confident to act confidently… You just need to keep your standards higher than your excuses.”

Gareth embodies hard work, discipline, and a meticulous attention to detail that any runner can emulate, regardless of their level. Through learning from one event to the next, he’s also refined his kit to products he trusts in extreme environments - which is why we’re proud to support him. At the Marathon des Sables, the TrailSkin Anti-Chafe Salve became an essential part of Gareth’s routine, which he then continued to use in summer heat, but also to protect the skin from salt and wetsuit rubbing during his Ironman. Facing the bogs and wet underfoot conditions back in Wales, the Trench Foot Cream has become a must-have to keep the feet in top shape.

Gareth’s motivation isn’t about podiums or times; it’s about honouring the second chance he took when he walked away from his old life, and using each event as a platform to reach others. The messages from people who say his early start or latest finish line helped them get out the door for their own 5k run matter as much as any medal. And every new race, every carefully packed kit bag, and every application of TrailSkin before a long, cold day out is a reminder that rock bottom was not the end of his story, but the beginning of a very different one.

Kicking Off 2026 With Britain’s Most Brutal Race

True to his intentions of seeking out the toughest challenges, Gareth is next lining up to run the 268-mile winter Spine Race along the Pennine Way, from Edale to Kirk Yetholm. A tough route in any conditions, with steep, difficult climbs, changing terrain, and long hours of running through the night. Not to mention the mid-January start, which means the ground can be frozen solid for a few hours, and boggy and slippery immediately afterwards. The feet are sure to take a beating, but this won’t be a new experience for Gareth, whose years training in the military and recent long-distance running in Wales have taught him how to face these conditions: “The mud is the same wherever you are in the world… I tested the TrailSkin Trench Foot Cream at Race Across Scotland and know I can rely on it for however long I’m out there.”

Gareth’s Spine Race foot care plan:

• Apply a good layer of Trailskin Trench Foot Cream on clean, dry feet
• Wear a liner sock (simple, cheap supermarket socks work for him!)
• Add waterproof socks to keep moisture from coming in

This worked perfectly against humid conditions before, and it will be his starting point. Then, refreshing the feet as often as needed in checkpoints, he plans to clean, dry fully, maybe add some talcum powder while eating and resting, remove that, and follow up with the TrailSkin Trench Foot Cream before putting on socks and running shoes.

And he’s got a not-so-secret weapon for the face: applying the Anti-Chafe Salve on the exposed skin helps protect from the cold and wind, as well as from excessive rubbing with the gloves during the long days out on the hills. 

Gareth is approaching the Spine Race with quiet, disciplined confidence and pragmatism - respecting its unpredictability and knowing it will be a huge adventure. Trusting his training, his race strategy, and his logistics will be key. We cannot wait to watch his dot!

The toughest races aren’t won only on fitness, but with preparation, resilience, and a strong internal motivation. Plus, looking after the small details that can quickly become big obstacles if not addressed in the right way. TrailSkin is built for exactly that: protecting your skin when and where you need it the most, so you can stay focused on relentless forward progress. 

Whether you’re heading into a winter ultra or simply training through the worst of the season, build your own no-compromise skin and foot care routine.

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