Trail Running the Camino de Santiago with Lydia Oldham

When Lydia Oldham set out to run 650km along the Camino de Santiago across Portugal in just six days, she wasn’t just chasing a record—she was saying a bold, resounding YES to a wild idea and an epic adventure of her own making. Read Part I of Lydia's story here.

With a Siesta Camper as her rolling basecamp, a tight-knit crew by her side, and the Camino de Santiago trail stretching ahead, “Projeto Portugal” became a story of grit, joy and what it means to push your limits—on foot.

In just 137 hours, Lydia not only reached her goal—she smashed the Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the route, leaving a trail of inspiration for adventure seekers everywhere.

As longtime believers in wild journeys and the stories that unfold along the road, we were proud to sponsor Lydia’s record-breaking run, supporting her from Lisbon to Santiago as she moved with purpose, persistence, and a whole lot of heart.

Now that the dust has settled, we caught up with Lydia to reflect on the experience and talk about her upcoming documentary.

Hello again, Lydia! Last time we spoke, you were preparing to trail run the Camino de Santiago from Lisbon to Santiago de Compostela in record-breaking time...

“Yes, I did it! I achieved my goal of beating the Fastest Known Time, covering 650km in 137 hours. It was an epic adventure!”

Looking back on your trail run across Northern Portugal, what’s an image that sticks with you?

“The breathtaking dawn over the mountains. That quiet anticipation before the first step. It reminds me of the wild beauty and resilience we found along the way. Also... burgers. I ate a lot of those and they are definitely etched in my memory!”

What's it like to run the Camino de Santiago trail?

“I chose this route because of its cultural significance. The most magical moment was watching the sunrise over a quiet valley, feeling completely present.

Old villages, spontaneous chats with fellow pilgrims, and the generosity of locals made it so special. It truly felt like we were all on the same path, just travelling it in our own way.”

Which part of the Camino de Santiago trail pushed you the most?

“The climbs near the end were brutal, mentally and physically. There was a point when the exhaustion clouded everything. But leaning on the camaraderie of the team, breaking it all into small segments — that kept me going. I try not to entertain thoughts of 'I might not make it.' I just keep moving.

I have to give it up for my crew: two pacers, Tyson and René; my husband Oli as team captain; and two photographers, Mario and Agostino. I couldn’t have done it without them. They are the best humans on the planet! Oh, and of course, our dog Squidly for cuddles.” 

How did you feel physically and emotionally after finishing your record-breaking run?

“Completely wrecked physically, but emotionally elated. I had just wrapped up one of the most meaningful weeks of my life — surrounded by the best people. It creates a bond like no other.”

What was it like experiencing van life in Portugal during your 10-day endurance run? Did you and your crew have any go-to routines or camper van rituals?

“We got into a rhythm — winding down together, debriefing over food, sharing stories, and keeping things semi-organised despite the chaos of gear and snacks. The van quickly felt like home."

Best feature of the camper van?

"The bed! The roof pops up in seconds. If I needed five minutes of rest, I could get it — and then the guys would jump behind the wheel and we’d hit the road again”

What essential gear did you pack for trail running the Camino de Santiago—any comforts that made van life in Portugal easier?

“Lightweight trail shoes, quality hydration, and my Maurten gear were non-negotiables on the trail. In the van, a cozy blanket and a good cup of tea — essential for recovery. Snack-wise? Filipinos — chocolate biscuit snacks I found in Portuguese shops. Game-changer!”

How did your Camino de Santiago adventure impact your relationship to running… or to Portugal?

“It gave me a deep appreciation for slow, intentional exploration. I saved so many places along the coast, I can’t wait to return and spend time exploring”

What did you learn about yourself on the trail and living out of a camper van?

“That persistence and vulnerability are key. Even when things get tough, leaning on your crew and staying true to your purpose makes all the difference.”

That’s powerful. You’re soon releasing a documentary film that captures your trail running adventure — what do you want people take away from it?

“I hope it inspires people to say yes to their own adventures — whatever shape or size they take. To push themselves, connect with others, and find joy in the process.”

What’s next after running the Camino de Santiago? Any new challenges on the horizon?

“Always! I’ve got a couple of 50km races lined up this summer, and I’m planning another big challenge in the UK this autumn — this time in support of a local charity. Stay tuned!”

Lydia Oldham is a Reebok-sponsored athlete, creative, and the founder of Come Run With Me, a brand that inspires people to find freedom through movement. She’s based in Ericeira, often sharing content about her outdoor lifestyle. In September, the Projeto Portugal documentary film will be released, capturing the raw story of her record-breaking run across the Camino. Stay tuned!