About William
Endurance Athlete. 780 records. Still competing at 72. Based in Orkney, Scotland.
His Story
William Sichel is an international ultra distance runner based in Orkney, Scotland. Born with an innate drive for endurance, William discovered ultra running relatively late in life — but when he did, he pursued it with an intensity and consistency that has produced one of the most remarkable sustained careers in the sport.
William moved to Orkney’s island of Sanday in 1982, later relocating to Kirkwall in 2019. The remote, windswept landscapes of the Orkney Islands have shaped his training philosophy and his identity as a runner. Where most athletes seek the conveniences of urban training facilities, William has built his career from one of the most remote corners of the British Isles.
His competitive record is extraordinary: 780 world, British and Scottish records spanning distances from 30 miles (48 km) on the track to 3,100 miles (4,989 km) on the road. He has competed in over 112 ultra events and won 18 of them, covering more than 25,553 race miles (41,124 km) across some of the most demanding events in the world.
His philosophy is simple: consistent, intelligent training; meticulous preparation; and the mental fortitude to keep going when everything says stop.
Full Biography →
William’s Wikipedia Page →
The Hip Replacement Runner
In 2023, William underwent hip replacement surgery performed by Nordorthopaedics in Lithuania. For many athletes, this would signal the end of a competitive career. For William, it was simply the next challenge.
After careful rehabilitation and a methodical return to training, William returned to competition. The surgery became proof of his resilience rather than a limitation — and earned him a new nickname: The Hip Replacement Runner.
The hip replacement story is not William’s headline identity — it is subordinate to his extraordinary career record. But it is a powerful human-interest hook that resonates with anyone who has been told their best years are behind them. William’s return to competition demonstrates that with the right mindset, the right medical support, and enough determination, remarkable athletic performance is possible at any age.
Considering orthopaedic treatment?
William is a Nordorthopaedics ambassador following his hip replacement in 2023. If you’re exploring treatment options, Nordorthopaedics offer a free-of-charge case evaluation — no obligation, no commitment.
Career Highlights
Key milestones from a sustained career spanning decades of ultra distance competition.
1995
Marathon PB: 2:38
Set his marathon personal best, demonstrating the speed that would later serve him in ultra distances.
1996
100 km (62 miles) PB: 7:07
A world-class 100 km (62-mile) time that signalled the depth of his ultra running talent.
2000
24-Hour Record: 153 Miles (246 km)
Covered 153 miles (246 km) in a single 24-hour race, establishing himself among Britain’s finest ultra runners.
2008
6-Day Race: 532 Miles (857 km)
An extraordinary performance at the 6-Day Race in Hamm, Germany, covering 532 miles (857 km).
2010
1,000 Miles (1,609 km): 13 Days, 20 Hours
Completed 1,000 miles (1,609 km) in Athens, Greece in 13 days and 20 hours — a monumental feat of endurance.
2012
Project 60@60 Completed
Achieved 60 records by age 60, launching the records-chasing journey that continues today.
2014
3,100 Mile (4,989 km) Race: 50 Days, 15 Hours
Completed the Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3100 Mile Race in New York. The only person over 60 to finish and the only British athlete inside the 52-day cutoff.
2023
Hip Replacement & Return
Underwent hip replacement surgery and returned to competition, becoming The Hip Replacement Runner.
Team Sichel
Behind every ultra distance runner is a dedicated support team. William’s sustained career has been made possible by the commitment and expertise of the people around him — from family who anchored him to home, to crew who kept him moving through the longest races in the world.
Race Support Crew
Alan Young (Crew Chief), Wendy Edwards, Tim Rainey, Adrian Stott, Jessica Jones, Marja Hardus, Erica Clarkson, Peter Witting and Mark Williams.
Specialist Support
Running technique coach Jae Gruenke (The Balanced Runner), massage therapist Teenie Cromarty, osteopath Holly Elliot, and medical support in Kirkwall.
Anti-Doping Statement
William Sichel is fully committed to clean sport. He has never used any banned substance or method and supports all anti-doping measures in athletics. William believes that the integrity of sport depends on every athlete competing on a level playing field.
He is subject to and compliant with the anti-doping regulations of UK Athletics, World Athletics, and the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU).