James Norbury | H2O Audio Athlete

James Norbury

James Norbury is a multi-talented filmmaker, photographer, and ultra-endurance athlete, renowned for blending his passion for adventure with storytelling. Based in the French Alps, James has captured the essence of extreme sports through his films, particularly focusing on ultrarunning and mountaineering. His projects often highlight the journey of everyday explorers rather than just elite athletes, showing that anyone can embrace ambitious challenges. He’s known for his optimism and sense of humor, often taking on epic expeditions, such as running the entire length of the Cotswold Way or scaling Mont Blanc in record time.
James also shares his adventures on Instagram, where his content about endurance sports and the outdoors has attracted a dedicated following. His work ranges from lifestyle and fashion to fitness, and he is a co-founder of the production company Zebrafish, where he serves as Executive Producer, working on a wide array of global projects.
His philosophy on adventuring is simple: say yes to big challenges, then figure out how to overcome them along the way, an approach that resonates with his personal motto and unique storytelling style.

Personal Information:

  • Born: 03/12/1991
  • Sport: Ultrarunning
  • Accomplishments:
    World Record for 30 Peaks Challenge (10 Highest mountains in Scotland + England + Wales in 71 Hours). Ran the length of Cape Town (85k) in a day. Ran the Cotswold Way (180k) 4 days. Raced across the Atlantic.
  • Favorite H2O Product(s): Tri 2 Multi-Sport Pro

Get to know James

What inspired you to pursue your sport?

I’ve always been passionate about exploring the outdoors. A couple years ago I was trying, and failing, to get into running when I decided one day to go out for my usual 10k run but listen to the Lord Of The Rings soundtrack as my playlist of choice.
It went from feeling like a chore to an epic quest! I now run ultra marathons all over the world supported by my favourite movie soundtracks.

What are your Go Beyond achievements and milestones in your sporting career?
  • December 2020: Raced across the Atlantic Ocean on a 47 foot Sailing Boat (despite having never sailed before). Placed last after getting stuck in the Doldrums for 8 days without any wind but it made for an incredible adventure.
  • September 2022: Ran the entire length of the Cotswold Way (180km) - 4 back to back trail marathon in 4 days.
  • March 2023: Ran the entire length of the Cape Town peninsula in a day (85km, 2700m elevation)
  • July 2024: Climbed Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe, from my home in the valley, to the summit and back home in 16 hours (a route that takes most people 3-5 days).
  • September 2024: Set a world record for the fastest person to climb the highest 10 Mountains in each of Scotland, England and Wales (30 Peaks). The project mission is to establish a new UK Hiking challenge for more experienced hikers and trail runners; building on the famous UK ’Three Peaks Challenge’. James will attempt to complete the route in 3 consecutive days (including the drives in between each country). A total of 160km and 14000 metres elevation: the equivalent of running a marathon and summiting Everest from Base Camp four times back to back in 3 days.
Why did you choose to work with H2O Audio?

I needed headphones that would go the distance with me on all day missions as well as being weather proof for the crazy conditions the mountains can throw at you.

How has H2O Audio enhanced your training and performance?

Music is a big part of my adventuring. I love to get totally immersed in a hike or run listening to epic cinema scores.

How do H2O Audio waterproof headphones help you stay motivated during tough training sessions or competitions?

Music is a big part of my adventuring. I love to get totally immersed in a hike or run listening to epic cinema scores. So I needed headphones that would go the distance with me on all day missions as well as being weather proof for the crazy conditions the mountains can throw at you.

What is your favorite music or playlist to listen to during workouts, and what type of workout do you use it for?

I’m all about making my adventures as epic as possible. So I listen to my favourite movie soundtracks: Lord of The Rings, Gladiator, The Dark Knight and everything in between.

Can you share a memorable moment or story from your training where using H2O Audio waterproof headphones made a significant difference?

I was recently in Scotland attempting to climb the highest 10 mountains in 24 hours as part of my 30 Peaks world record.

I was on the final mountain, having done 55k and 4500 metres already that day, and feeling absolutely broken and like I wanted to throw in the towel.

So I plugged in and put on the Braveheart soundtrack on full blast. Within minutes the mountain went from feeling tough to about as epic as it gets: running through the Scottish Highlands with bagpipes heralding the ascent as the sun set.

I summitted the mountain within the time and was treated to one of the best sunsets and moon rises of my life: a moment that will stick with me forever.

What advice do you have for aspiring athletes?

It’s less complicated than everybody tells you. All the big challenges I’ve ever done felt scary and impossible to begin with. I think we have a tendency to overcomplicate things as a means of creating an excuse to not try.

I have found that the reality is that things are much more simple, and that just starting out, even if it’s not perfect, is the most important thing.

I sailed across the Atlantic despite having literally sailed before.

I ran my first 100 mile ultramarathon before I’d even run a ½ marathon.

I summited the highest 30 mountains in Scotland, England and Wales in 3 days even though everyone told me it was impossible.

So go after whatever excites you and realize it’s simpler than you think.

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