In our RT Snap Q&A series, we’ve had the privilege of interviewing some of the world’s best runners, delving into their extraordinary journeys, celebrating their achievements, and exploring the unwavering dedication that defines their careers.
Jake Liam Smith
- Born: mAY 19, 1998
- Nationality: Great Britain & N.I.
- Half Marathon, Marathon, 10,000m
Jake Liam Smith’s running career is defined by bold performances, resilience, and steady progression. After relocating to England during his teens, Jake turned his attention to distance running, quickly making his mark in events like the 10 km and half marathon.
In 2019, he set impressive personal bests, including a 29:31 in the 10 km and a fifth-place finish at the Boulogne-Billancourt half marathon with a time of 1:02:02, which broke the British U23 record. The following year, Jake gained international recognition by placing 18th at the World Half Marathon Championships, clocking a personal best of 60:31. Along the way, Jake also battled Red S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), a condition where an athlete’s energy intake doesn’t meet the demands of training. By adjusting his nutrition and training, Jake has continued to thrive in the sport.
A defining moment in Jake’s career came in 2021 at the Cheshire Elite Marathon. Originally entered as a pacemaker, he surprised everyone by winning the race with a time of 2:11:00, despite not intending to complete the marathon. This victory, achieved on minimal fuel and after a tough training block, earned him the nickname “Marathon Maverick.” His willingness to race fearlessly extended to helping others, such as pacing Bashir Abdi to a European marathon record in Rotterdam later that year.
In 2022, Jake joined the prestigious NN Running Team, placing him alongside some of the world’s top distance runners. His training now includes high-altitude camps in Uganda, where he has fine-tuned his approach under the guidance of elite athletes like Joshua Cheptegei. With goals to break the 60-minute barrier in the half marathon and earn an Olympic medal, Jake remains determined to inspire the next generation of runners through his performances, transparency, and unwavering commitment to his craft.
Personal Bests
- Half Marathon – 1:00:31
- Marathon – 2:11:00
- 10,000 Metres – 28:01.05
- 5000 Metres – 13:38.01
- 10 Miles Road – 47:41
- 3000 Metres – 8:00.80
- 3000 Metres Short Track – 8:06.11
- 3000 Metres Short Track – 8:06.11
- 10 Kilometres Road – 29:25
- 1500 Metres – 3:48.97
- 15 Kilometres Road – 45:29
RT: What first drew you to running, and how did your early experiences shape your decision to pursue it professionally?
Jake: What drew me into running more is quite simple, I was too small and not strong enough to play football or rugby especially when I came to the UK. I started running more properly when I turned 14 in Hong Kong and grew to love the sport, it did take up a lot of my life but I wouldn’t still play rugby and football at a decent level. I feel playing all the other sports, also hockey created a big aerobic base which turned me into the distance runner I am today
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RT: What’s the craziest or most unexpected thing that’s happened to you during a race?
Jake: I think running 60:31 at the world half marathon champs. I knew I was in brilliant shape during Covid as I ran 28:00 for the 10,000m with just some of my house mates pacing me round a track. But during that race competing against the best in the world was incredible. Also pacing Bashir Abdi to 28km during his European Marathon Record in Rotterdam was unreal too
RT: If you could relive any race, not to change the outcome but to experience it again, which one would it be and why?
Jake: World Half Marathon 2020 or last year Great South Run 2023 (my first race back after a year of injuries and being away from the sport struggling with RED-S)
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RT: When things don’t go as planned in a race, what do you tell yourself to push through the disappointment?
Jake: Last year I was definitely at my lowest point ever I had to move back home to get support off my parents and I didn’t do any sort of training (no gym, CT, swimming or running) for 5 weeks as I had to force myself into better eating habits. I didn’t realise how much damage I did to my body and always questioned whether I would get to the level I was previously
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RT: You’ve lived in multiple countries. How has the culture and environment of each place influenced your approach to running?
Jake: Hong Kong was tough I played lots of sports so that allowed me to increase my aerobic capacity. I also found that running in the heat, humidity and pollution makes running in the UK so simple. Went back to HK this year and yes training was tough but as soon as I was back in the UK was easy. Would say the conditions are almost harder than altitude hahaha
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RT: With so much already achieved, what are the key goals you’re working toward, both in terms of personal performance and contributing to the sport?
Jake: I haven’t run a personal best over any distance since I came out about struggling with RED-S over 1.5 years ago. I’m here to show the world I’m getting back to my best but slowly. You have seen these older marathon runners run 2:04 for the marathon at age 42 and I want to be in this sport for the long game. I know I can get back to being the best consistency is the key I just need to take my time and still be patient as it will click.
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RT: What advice would you give to young runners aiming to reach the elite level, especially about managing setbacks and staying motivated?
Jake: Don’t be the best at a young age because the pressure for you then is higher, people put expectation on you and can be tough to manage. Consistency is the most important formula to run the fastest time. I am still young in the marathon world and I want to keep doing it for another 15 years at a high levels. Plus sleep and food makes the training and racing work.
