In this inspiring episode of the Upsticks Podcast, we sit down with international ultra runner and YouTuber Lee Grantham, whose story takes us from the sweltering streets of Chiang Mai to the snowy peaks of Spain’s Sierra Nevada. Lee shares his remarkable journey in ultra running, his deep-rooted love for Granada, and how a single race changed the course of his life forever.
We first met Lee back in 2012 at the grueling Ultimate Frontera ultra marathon in Andalusia, Spain. Since then, his career has skyrocketed—grabbing attention in athletics circles around the world and even landing mentions in publications like Athletics Weekly, Men’s Health Australia. But beyond the headlines, Lee is refreshingly honest, funny, and down to earth. He opens up about the unpredictable nature of racing, laughing off his win at Italy’s prestigious Passatore 100K as “just one of those days when you fancy it.”
At the heart of this conversation is Lee’s passion for Pico Veleta—a 50K ultra trail that climbs from the city of Granada to near the summit of Spain’s second-highest mountain. It’s a race so demanding that runners are often found crawling to the finish. For Lee, it sparked something profound. After a rough first attempt where he hoped to make the cut-off, he made a quiet vow: one day, he would win it. And win it he did—years later, after moving to the area, training on the mountain daily, and becoming part of the local community.
Lee’s storytelling is vivid and full of character. Whether he’s describing training in -30°C Swedish winters or recounting bizarre race-day moments like dodging a runaway van on the slopes of Veleta, his energy is infectious. What really stands out, though, is his commitment—not just to running, but to learning, growing, and giving back. That same spirit led him to start his YouTube channel “All In” during the pandemic. His aim? To share real, practical advice with runners worldwide and help others build their own paths to progress.
We also dive into Lee’s fascination with the psychology of sport. He draws fascinating parallels with snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan—another master of mental resilience and passion for performance. Their unexpected friendship reveals how greatness often stems from the same traits, no matter the sport.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a casual runner, or just someone curious about what drives people to tackle the toughest challenges life (or a mountain) can offer, this episode has something for you. Lee Grantham’s story is one of persistence, self-belief, and falling in love with a place so deeply it shapes who you are and what you strive for.