Hogarth PT Dani’s London 100K Challenge

We caught up with Hogarth personal trainer Dani Malik, who took on one of her biggest challenges yet: the London 100 ultra marathon.

We get to know all about the highs, the hurdles, and the community spirit that carried her through 83 extraordinary kilometres across the capital.

Why Take On 100 Kilometres?

“100km is just such a magic number,” Dani told us. “It sounds completely insane and that’s exactly why I wanted to do it. I love pushing myself physically and mentally.”

For Dani, ultra running isn’t just about endurance. It’s about connection, resilience, and discovering what’s possible when you keep moving forward.

Last year, she completed an 82km ultra marathon in just over 14 hours, an experience she still describes as “one of the best days of my life.”

“I started chatting with another runner right at the beginning,” she explains, “and we ended up talking for almost 12 and a half hours. We’ve become really good friends since.” There is a sense of camaraderie that is a recurring theme throughout the community.

How Did You Get Into Running?

Running had always been in the background of Dani’s life. “My father used to run marathons when I was younger, so it was something I had always wanted to do,”

Back in 2014, she underwent bariatric (weight loss) surgery and had 80% of her stomach removed. Once she was cleared to exercise again, running was immediately on her mind. “I have lost over 40kg and I am absolutely sure running has been a key part in keeping it off,” she said. “It has helped me stay fit, healthy and sane ever since.”

In 2017, she completed her very first 10km race: the Cancer UK Winter Run in London. Since then, running has evolved from a personal goal into a huge part of her identity and lifestyle.

After completing her first ultra marathon, Dani even celebrated the achievement with a tattoo reading “ultra runner” on her right ankle. “I had planned on getting one with the number 100 on it to mark the journey from 100kg to 100km on my left ankle,” she said. “That will have to wait until next year now.”

Balancing Training and Recovery

Preparing for the London 100 was no small feat. With another demanding 47km race already under her belt earlier in the spring, Dani had only seven weeks to recover, rebuild, and train again.

“My body definitely needs more recovery now,” she explained. “I usually run four days a week; one speed session, two easy runs, and one long run, alongside three strength sessions in the gym.”

Strength training has become an essential part of Dani’s preparation, helping her body withstand the physical demands of ultra-distance running. “I love the way strength sessions make me feel,” she said. “They really help prepare my body for the load and impact of racing.”

Training at The Hogarth

As a busy personal trainer, finding time to train around clients and shifts can be challenging, which is why training at The Hogarth Club has been such an important part of her preparation.

“Training between clients and shifts made such a difference because every 30 minutes counts,” she said. “And having access to the treadmill when the weather wasn’t great was incredibly helpful.”

For Dani, the club isn’t just somewhere to work out, it’s part of the support system that allows her to keep chasing ambitious goals.

The Reality of Race Day

The London 100 consisted of four 25km loops through the city, weaving through Hackney, Hampstead Heath, Crystal Palace and White City. “The first 50km felt really strong,” Dani said. “But navigating busy London streets, tourists and crowds became surprisingly exhausting.”

Then came one of the toughest moments of the day. “After 50km, I realised I’d accidentally gone the wrong way,” she explained. “By the time I corrected it, I’d added several extra kilometres onto the race. Mentally, that was incredibly tough.”

As the miles built up and the hills around Crystal Palace became increasingly relentless, the challenge shifted from physical to mental. But stopping never felt like an option. “There was absolutely no way I wanted to quit,” Dani said. “I had trained for this. I wanted it so badly.”

The Power of Community

One of the most meaningful parts of Dani’s experience came when Hogarth member Norbert joined her as her official pacer.

Originally set to support her during the final 25km, Norbert stepped in earlier after hearing she was struggling. “He was unbelievable,” Dani said. “So caring, so selfless. He kept me going when things became really hard.”

Their friendship began earlier this year after Norbert joined The Hogarth Club and started training with Dani. What began as personal training sessions soon evolved into training runs together and eventually support during one of the toughest challenges of her life.

Reflecting on the experience, Norbet shared his own perspective supporting Dani in her race "You’d expect somebody who’s just run more than 70km to look at least a little bit tired, instead she stood there with a broad smile looking surprisingly fresh. It felt surreal."

The section they tackled together, from Crystal Palace through to Victoria, was one of the toughest parts of the course "through endless parks, hills and street crossings, it was far from an easy route." Norbet tells us. As fatigue set in, Dani’s mindset shifted fully into “ultra-runner mode,” balancing humour with complete determination as she carefully managed her pacing, nutrition and recovery.

83 Kilometres of Determination

Although Dani ultimately made the difficult decision to stop after 83km, there was no sense of defeat, only pride, perspective, and determination.

“Of course I’m disappointed,” she admitted. “But I’m also proud of myself. Eighty-three kilometres is a long way, and I gave absolutely everything I had.”

And as Norbet explains, it was the right decision, “Only once the race was over did she finally allow herself to look exhausted. The organisers handed out pizza afterwards and, as a good friend, I made sure most of it didn’t go to waste."

Just days later, Dani is already thinking about the next challenge ahead: a 76km race along the Thames later this year, followed by another attempt at the 100km distance next summer. And would she do it all again? Without hesitation: “Absolutely.”

Looking Ahead

We asked Dani what she’ll remember most about the experience a year from now. “Ultra running teaches you that after a certain point, it’s no longer just physical,” she said. “You problem-solve, you adapt, you keep putting one foot in front of the other. And when you have people around you supporting you, it makes all the difference.”

Feeling Inspired?

If Dani’s story has inspired you to set a new goal of your own, then why not book in your monthly personal training session with her? Whether you're looking to build your strength, improve endurance, running your first race, or simply feeling more confident in your training.

Hogarth members receive one complimentary personal training sessions per month as part of their Hogarth membership. Make sure to book your session in with the gym or reception team.

Find out more about personal training at The Hogarth Club here: Hogarth Personal Training 

You can also discover more of our Hogarth community stories here: Hogarth Member Stories