Champion Ultra Runner

Sam Harvey

From small-town beginnings to international recognition, Sam Harvey has built his reputation on grit, endurance, and heart.

Whether he’s chasing world records or testing his limits in brutal backyard ultra events.

Sam embodies what it means to go further, fuelled by passion, purpose, and PURE performance nutrition.

“I’ve learned over the years that endurance isn’t just about putting one foot in front of the other, it’s about preparation, consistency, and fuelling smart. When you’re running for hours or even days at a time, your nutrition becomes the deciding factor between finishing strong or breaking down. I’ve spent a lot of time figuring out what works for my body, and PURE Sports Nutrition has become a big part of that routine.

I use PURE products throughout my training and racing, from their Electrolyte Hydration during long runs and hot conditions, to their Energy Gels when I need fast, reliable fuel that’s easy on the stomach. I like knowing that what I’m putting in my body is clean, natural, and designed by athletes who understand performance from the inside out.

PURE fits my approach perfectly: simple, honest products that perform. They allow me to focus on what I love most, testing myself, chasing goals, and seeing how far I can really go.”

Career highlights

100-mile Tarawera Ultra-Trail

First New Zealander to win the 100-mile race at Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB, in 2025 in a time of 15:16:54

NZ Backyard Ultra

New Zealand Backyard Ultra record, having run 677 km in 101 hours at Dead Cow Gully in Queensland, Australia

Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko

Winner of Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB earlier in the same UTMB World Series season.

Sam's Nutrition Strategy

Long events demand precision. My fuelling strategy is structured well before race day and practised consistently in training.

For sessions extending beyond two hours, I target a steady carbohydrate intake each hour to sustain energy output and protect glycogen stores. I begin fuelling early, usually within the first 20 minutes, and continue at regular intervals to maintain stable blood glucose levels and avoid late-session decline. On key race simulation days, I increase intake to match competition demands and train my gut to comfortably absorb higher carbohydrate loads under intensity.

Hydration is managed proactively. I aim to start every session well hydrated and use electrolytes consistently during longer or hotter efforts to maintain fluid balance, support thermoregulation, and reduce the risk of cramping or performance drop-off. Intake is adjusted based on duration, conditions, and sweat rate not just thirst.

Recovery begins immediately after finishing. Within 30 minutes, I prioritise carbohydrate to restore glycogen and quality protein to stimulate muscle repair and support adaptation. Structured rehydration continues in the hours that follow to ensure I’m fully prepared for the next training session.

Nothing is left to chance. Every long session doubles as race-day rehearsal with refining timing, quantities, and combinations so that on competition day, my nutrition is automatic, reliable, and performance-focused.