OS Champion

Helen Newman

Meet Helen Newman, hiker, wild-camper and ultra runner based in the South East of England

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you like to get outside?

I’m a keen ultra runner who loves the mountains. There’s nothing I love more than being out on the tops, navigating my way along mountain ridges and down to the valley below for a well-earned slice of cake and coffee. Although I live on the sunny (and flat) South Coast, I like to enter mountain races up to 100 miles.

The more technical the terrain, the better! Back on home turf I’m a member of six local running clubs who I meet weekly. When I’m not training, I enjoy multi-day hikes, wild camping and cycle touring. I’ve cycled across India with my brother and New Zealand, Spain, France, and the Canary Islands with my mum.

What’s your favourite route or place to go and why?

Helen Newman’s Favourite Running Route – 13 Valleys Ultra

It has to be the 13 Valleys route which incorporates all 13 valleys of the Lake District, my favourite place in England. I took part in the inaugural event (OS are the official mapping partners) and came second lady in the 185km distance. It will always have a place in my heart.

13 Valleys Ultra Map Route

What’s your fave bit of kit available on the OS Shop?

I love outdoor kit and have spreadsheets with all the specs laid out so I can make sure I have the best gear for the job. The product that comes in most handy tends to be my Ordnance Survey Small Micro Towel which I take on multi-day trips as my main towel. You can wash and dry yourself with it and it packs up small and weighs nothing. It’s all I need to stay (moderately) fresh!