Join us for a conversation with Ioana Barbu, who in 2025 won the Ice Ultra (230km across five days in Swedish Lapland) and the Highland Ultra (125km in the Scottish Highlands), then went on to complete all six Beyond the Ultimate races in a single calendar year, finishing with a podium at the Desert Ultra. In conversation with ultra runner and mental health practitioner Jen Clay, they’ll get into what the achievement actually involves: training choices, psychological strain, funding, recovery, and the practical reality of sustaining that level of endurance alongside full time work.

​​Jen Clay has worked in the charity sector for more than 15 years including in the UK, South America and USA. She holds a MSc in Global Mental Health with published research focused on stigma, and is the former Deputy CEO of Guildford-based mental health charity Oakleaf. She has delivered countless talks, trainings, and workshops on mental health and wellbeing, facilitating meaningful conversations amongst diverse audiences. Jen is also a passionate trail and ultramarathon runner, a strong believer in the power of nature and what can be discovered when we attempt challenges at the edge of our self-belief.