Home > The Scene

Ireland-based ultrarunner killed by car while running

Bubendorfer had completed many marathons and ultras

Thomas Bubendorfer ultrarunner killed by car in Madrid

Austrian-born ultrarunner Thomas Bubendorfer, 52, well-known in Irish running circles and for his blog Diary of a Rubbish Marathon Runner, was killed when hit by a car during a run last week in Madrid. His wife, Niamh Swan, confirmed his death on social media. “My darling husband Thomas Bubendorfer was killed hit by a car while out for a run in Madrid. We were married 25 years with four children and still so much in love. There are no words,” Swan said.

thomas Bubendorfer
Photo: Twitter/tbubendorfer

Bubendorfer, who was an accomplished athlete who worked as a computer programmer, running many marathons and ultras and competing in the IAU 24-hour world championships in 2017 and 2015. He also completed the infamous 246K Spartathlon in 2015. His award-winning blog chronicles his journey toward completing a sub-three-hour marathon and details how he discovered a love and skill for running ultra distances.

World champion ultrarunner Camille Herron expressed her condolences to Bubendorfer’s family on Twitter, and added: “He commented on my post about Spartathlon a week ago. I’ll dedicate this year’s race to him.”

Check out the latest buyer's guide:

The best trainers in Canada under $150

We curated the best performance trainers under $150 to meet your 2024 running goals, while staying on budget