Five Ultramarathons in Five Years: What Keeps Philip Holt Running?

Philip Holt, Sales and Commercial Director at Bell Lighting and an EIC Ambassador, is preparing for his fifth ultramarathon in support of the Electrical Industries Charity.

Every October for the past four years, Philip has taken on the Lakes in a Day Ultramarathon, a 54-mile race through the Lake District. Starting in Caldbeck, the route takes runners across challenging mountain terrain before finishing in Cartmel.

But what keeps Philip running for our charity, year after year? We sat down with him to find out.

Philip says it all started in 2020, during Bell Lighting’s 100th anniversary celebrations. He wanted to do something special to mark the occasion, and raising funds for his industry charity felt like the natural choice.

“It’s only right to give back to our industry charity,” says Philip. “I’ve been in the industry for 20 years now, and the Electrical Industries Charity has been a huge support throughout. It just made sense to raise some money and make sure we were giving back.”

So why ultramarathons? Philip says it was getting older that first inspired him to take on these extreme running challenges.

“Getting older is what inspired me,” Phil laughs. “But also, taking on ultramarathons gives me much better work-life balance. You’re out there for a long time, so it gives you that much-needed clarity and time to think things over. I love the fact that you can go out with ten problems and come back with ten fewer.”

Completing an ultramarathon is no small feat, with an estimated 20% to 50% of runners failing to reach the finish line. Philip’s record of completing four races is a testament to his determination and resilience.

“My goal is always simply to get to the end. One wrong foot and it’s all over,” he says.

One of the biggest challenges Philip faces is the unpredictable weather conditions in the Lake District.

“October is smack bang in the middle of lightning season,” says Philip, “so it’s hard to navigate that while training. It’s also normally raining sideways on the day, so it’s definitely a battle against the elements.”

Training for an ultramarathon requires discipline and consistency, regardless of location or conditions.

“I was on holiday in Spain recently, and that meant I had to run in 35-degree heat to train,” says Philip.

Physical setbacks have also affected his preparation in the past. Ahead of one previous race, Philip experienced problems with both Achilles tendons just two months before the event. Despite the injury, he persevered and made it to the finish line.

Philip is passionate not only about the challenge itself, but also about the cause he is supporting.

“I want to thank the EIC for the phenomenal work they do in the sector,” he says.

“Watching the charity evolve into what it is today has been incredible, and I want to make sure as many people as possible know that it’s there for them if they ever need support. You have highs and lows throughout your life, and it’s good to know the charity is always there for you when you need it.”

This year’s ultramarathon is particularly meaningful to Philip, as he is raising funds for both the EIC and Butterwick Hospice, which supported his family following the loss of his mother in August 2025.

Philip will set off on his fifth ultramarathon on 10 October. You can support his efforts by clicking here.