Melissah Gibson is a long-distance runner who has competed in events worldwide, including Comrades in South Africa in 6:51 (sub 7 target), which took 21 minutes off the Aussie women’s record and was the first recorded Brit! Melissah is a member of the Ealing Eagles running club and runs between 10–15 marathons a year. Her PB is an impressive 2:43. She is competing in the following marathons this year: Gold Coast, Tallinn, Oslo, Loch Ness, Chester, Yorkshire, Athens, Valencia, and Pisa!
“I started taking the Beet It Sport Nitrate 400 shots back in 2013 as I was preparing for my first sub-3 attempt (researching every marginal gain!). The nitrate in Beet It Sport products helps with my endurance. I can’t tolerate gels, but taking a Beet It Sport shot a few hours before, I’ve never hit a wall. Even at Comrades, my final split was my 2nd fastest. The pink pee after-effect is just a bonus! Magic!”
1. How did you get involved in running?
Back in Australia in 2011, many of my colleagues were doing a 10k race – Bridge to Brisbane. I was a heavy smoker and never invited to train with the fit young guys. On race day, I ran 44 minutes, and no one was waiting at the end, so I assumed they had gone home without me. The next day, I learned they were still running. Later, I moved to London, started running to work to avoid the commute, and ran my first marathon in March 2012. My second was in April, and the obsession began!
2. What advice would you give a young aspiring marathon runner?
Take it gently! My first few years of marathon running were marred with stress fractures and overuse injuries. The injury rollercoaster is tough. Have a couple of rest days a week and join a club — much more fun!
3. What running achievement are you most proud of?
In June, I ran my first ultra — Comrades in South Africa. I ran 6:51 (sub-7 target), taking 21 minutes off the Aussie women’s record and becoming the first recorded Brit. After a tricky Spring marathon season with Covid, I was so pleased the day went to plan, and I never blew up. I lack confidence, so I expected to crawl — instead, I thrived.
4. Growing up, who was your most inspiring sports person?
I wasn’t athletic at all (I discovered running at 27). I admire Aussie Lisa Weightman, who balances corporate life with 2:23 marathons in her 40s and a family. I also find UK athletes Naomi Mitchell and Rosie Harvey inspiring as they put careers on hold to chase their dreams.
5. What are your aspirations for running in 2023 and beyond?
I hope to break 2:40 this autumn (PB 2:43) and reach 100 marathons (87 so far). I’ll then focus on longer distances, which suit my energy levels. At Comrades, my goal is a top-10 finish. With the standard of South African athletes, I’ll need more hill training and strength work!
6. Where in the world would you most like to run a marathon?
I’d love to do the Osaka and Tokyo double one year. I studied Japanese for many years, but it’s been 25 years since I visited. It’s a fascinating country!
7. Something most people don’t know about you
I’m half Kiwi! I identify mostly as British/Australian now (after an eight-year battle to gain British citizenship), but my mother is from New Zealand, so half my family lives there.
8. How do you keep mentally focused during marathon events?
I’m not sure I do! I treat all marathons as fun, and ~4 min/km is my happy pace. If I take it too seriously, I get anxious, so I relax and enjoy it. That’s when I perform best. After many injuries and long Covid, I’m grateful just to run again!
9. Where did you hear about Beet It Sport products?
I started using them in 2013 while preparing for my first sub-3 attempt and researching every marginal gain.
10. Why do you use Beet It Sport shots?
The nitrates improve my endurance. I can’t tolerate gels, but taking a Beet It Sport shot before races keeps me strong. Even at Comrades, my final split was my 2nd fastest. The pink pee effect is a bonus!
I also use Zinger shots. Running 10–15 marathons a year impacts my immune system, but antioxidants help keep me healthy. The ginger shots also aid recovery between races. Next up: Gold Coast Marathon on July 2nd!