Isle Of Wight Ultra Runner Lands Snap Fitness Grant After Meteoric Rise

Isle of Wight ultra trail star Charlotte Fisher, 31, has been named one of 12 winners across the UK & Ireland in Snap Fitness’ brand-new Grassroots to Greatness Athletic Grant Programme — scooping vital support as she continues her extraordinary journey in the world of endurance running.

The programme, launched this year, awarded £20,000 in grants to athletes and clubs nationwide.

Over 200 applied, but Charlotte’s inspiring story stood out.

Her adventure into running only began a couple of year ago.

In 2023, Charlotte signed up for a 106km charity challenge around the Isle of Wight in memory of her late aunt Jane.

With no prior running background and just 12 weeks of training, she not only finished — she won.

Since then, her rise has been nothing short of breathtaking:

• Winner of the North Downs Way 100 miler

• Record-breaker on the Isle of Wight Coastal Path (fastest known time)

• Third place at Ultra Trail Snowdonia 100 — one of Europe’s toughest races

• Second place in the Lakeland 100

These performances have earned Charlotte the holy grail of ultra-running — a spot at the UTMB in 2026, the sport’s most prestigious global stage.

Charlotte says she owes her success to the inspiration of her late aunt Jane:

“I felt extremely honoured that Snap Fitness were willing to support me and my journey,” Charlotte said.

“The grant means I can enter races without worrying so much about the cost, and put my energy where it matters — into training and performance.”

Snap Fitness CEO Kevin Yates said the Grassroots to Greatness initiative is designed to shine a spotlight on rising stars like Charlotte:

“It’s about more than financial support — it’s about belief, visibility and opportunity.

"We’re proud to back Charlotte and this inspiring group of athletes, and we look forward to sharing their highs, lows and incredible journeys over the next year.”

Charlotte now joins fellow winners in sports ranging from para-rowing and karate to American football and mountaineering — but for the Isle of Wight, her story is proof that true greatness can grow from the grassroots.