Best The Sapphire Running Zone Podcasts (2025)

1
LUCY TAKES ON LONDON 2025 AND COMES AWAY SMILING! 25:52

12h ago25:52

25:52

Lucy is one of the lucky few to get a ballot entry in the London Marathon 2025 and she made the most of it. Having undergone scoliosis surgery twice she wanted to raise funds for Scoliosis Support & Research and started with a target of £500. A few weeks later she has raised nearly five times that figure and had the day of her life on April 27. Lis…

1
RACE DAY ETIQUETTE - GET IT RIGHT 16:28

3d ago16:28

16:28

Make sure everyone has the best day possible by doing your bit to help create the perfect event. Start in the right area, get the most from your water stations, be careful where you answer the call of nature, keep moving at the finish and thank the volunteers. There is a lot to think about! For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.…

1
THE DREAM BUILD UP. WILL LONDON 2025 BE THE DREAM DAY? 26:51

5d ago26:51

26:51

Jade's London Marathon 2025 training and fundraising has all gone to plan and even a bit of 'Runner's Knee' didn't hold her back. With £3400 already raised can she combine an unforgettable day with £4000 for Cornwall Hospice Care? If you missed Jade's early training and fundraising stories you can hear them on Episode 1. Here's Jade's Just Giving p…

1
THE IT BAND CURSE - A COMMON RUNNING INJURY. SIAN BATTLES ON TO LONDON 31:22

6d ago31:22

31:22

Sian's training had been going so well. She followed her training plan to the letter, run the hilly Run Falmouth Half Marathon in Cornwall, got to 16 miles on her long run and then it struck - a knee twinge developed into the dreaded IT Band problem; 'Runner's Knee' as it's known. Will she able to get on to the start line in London? For more podcas…

1
TAPER TALES AND FUNDRAISING INNOVATION: MATT'S READY FOR ACTION 23:02

12d ago23:02

23:02

The taper is always a strange experience. After weeks of intense training, suddenly it all slows down. In Episode 2 Matt talks us through the challenges of dealing with the last 3 weeks of marathon training and also gives some great fundraising tips that could make a real difference to your fundraising efforts. He has had a great build up to the Lo…

1
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! A CHALLENGE COMPLETED, BOTH ON AND OFF THE ROAD 31:02

13d ago31:02

31:02

Frank White set himself a challenge, to run 3 half marathons in a month for the Young Lives vs Cancer charity. He started with his local half in Bideford, then took on Bath and finished off with London Landmarks, one of the UK's biggest. How did he get on and how did his fundraising go? You can listen to Episode 1 here To help Frank raise a little …

1
RUNNING HADRIAN'S WALL IN A DAY FOR CHARITY - THAT'S OVER 3 MARATHONS! 22:33

14d ago22:33

22:33

Mattie and his best mate Chris are running the length of Hadrian's Wall (that's 74 miles!) on June 14th to support Playskill, a charity that has given him and his family so much help over the last 18 months. Mattie's son Arthur and his twin were born on 5th September 2023 and so far he has had over 43 admissions to multiple different hospitals, und…

1
SELLING HIS SHIRT. UNIQUE WAYS TO FUNDRAISE FOR LONDON 25 25:21

17d ago25:21

25:21

Michael Woodward has only had 11 weeks of training, but he got himself a coach and fully committed himself to the challenge of running the London Marathon. He also came up with a great way of fundraising that made his £2500 much easier than he first thought. With plenty of time still to go the amount raised could get close to £3500. But will he hit…

1
A TEXTBOOK BUILD UP TO THE BIG DAY; MELISSA IS ON TRACK (TOUCH WOOD!) 23:59

18d ago23:59

23:59

After months of training and fundraising Melissa continues to follow the playbook on how to train and fundraise for the London Marathon. With her longest long run complete and £2400 already raised everything looks good for a truly memorable race day. Will she hit her target time of 5 hours and will she raise the magical £3000? If you missed it here…

1
BRUISED RIBS WON'T DETER STEPHEN'S SPEEDY LONDON MARATHON CHALLENGE 22:15

20d ago22:15

22:15

Lots of quality long runs had Stephen on course for a sub 3.30 London Marathon, but then a bad fall in a warm up event put his running on ice. Will he recover and storm the field at the end of the month and will he build on the £2000 already raised for Scoliosis Support & Research? If you missed it here is a link to Episode 1. Here's Stephen's Just…

1
LONDON CALLING. RILEY MAKES GREAT STRIDES TOWARDS THE FINISH LINE 25:14

21d ago25:14

25:14

In episode 2 Riley updates us on his progress, both training and fundraising, as he heads towards the London Marathon start line at the end of April. With £2000 raised in the last month he tells us how to develop the perfect raffle and how to make it the key part of your fundraising. If you missed it here is a link to Episode 1. Here's Riley's Just…

1
THE TAPER: THE FINAL COUNTDOWN! 18:07

24d ago18:07

18:07

The taper is the last part of your training plan. It's 3 weeks before a full marathon and 2 weeks before a half. It's the period when you need to wind back the training and build up your energy reserves for the big day ahead. Get the taper wrong and race day will not turn out like you've planned. Ignore it at your peril! For more podcasts head to h…

1
FANCY RUNNING 100 HALF MARATHONS? 41:12

25d ago41:12

41:12

Andrew Ogierman is about to run his 100th half marathon. London Landmarks on April 6 2025 is a great way to bring up a fantastic milestone and there's plenty more to come. Listen to Andrew's account of his running journey that has taken him to some incredible destinations and also includes 14 marathons, including a Captain Tom style virtual maratho…

1
THE IMPORTANCE OF SPECTATORS 20:57

28d ago20:57

20:57

Spectators are an essential element of your event, and the further you're running the more important they are. They motivate and encourage and can make all the difference to your special day. But it can be tough to be out in cold and potentially wet conditions all day, so look after them, help them with their planning and show your appreciation! Fo…

1
TRAVELS THROUGH INDIA AND THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 20:38

1M ago20:38

20:38

Join us on episode 1 as International athletics commentator Tim Hutchings travels to some of his favourite race destinations. Commentating on marathons and race meetings means lots of travel and this episode covers the first two months of 2025 when Tim spent much of his time in the Middle East and the sub continent. What are the differences between…

1
ELIE'S ULTRA MARATHON CHALLENGE - 50KM FOR SCOLIOSIS SUPPORT & RESEARCH 24:00

1M ago24:00

24:00

A marathon is a serious challenge, but add another 8km on and that's what Elie will be tackling this May as she takes on the Run to the Sea 50km event in Brighton. Elie tells us about her scoliosis experiences, her surgery and how she is training for her biggest sporting adventure yet! If you'd like to follow in Elie's footsteps and run your next e…

1
FRANK'S TRIPLE HALF MARATHON MONTH: ALL FOR A GREAT CAUSE 28:31

1M ago28:31

28:31

Frank White didn't think one half marathon for charity was enough. He didn't think two in a month was enough. So he decided to do three in a month and raise money for Young lives vs Cancer. Starting with his local half in Bideford in North Devon, we chat to Frank after his second half, in Bath. How would he cope after breaking his elbow three weeks…

1
THE LIFE OF AN ATHLETICS COMMENTATOR 30:48

1M ago30:48

30:48

Tim Hutchings has one of the most recognised voices in the running world. Whether it be at a Diamond League event in a leading stadium around the world, or at a top marathon, Tim is likely to be leading the commentary team. Following his highly successful running career, culminating in an Olympic Games 5000m final, Tim moved into the world of comme…

1
BORED OF RUNNING ON YOUR OWN? NEED SOME COMPANY? YOU NEED A RUNNING CLUB. 21:45

2M ago21:45

21:45

Natalie Edwards from Coulsdon Runners, in the London Borough of Croydon, began her running journey in September 2021 and progressed from a 3 minute run to running the London Marathon in 2024. She credits her progress and her enjoyment of running to being part of a community led running club, that not only has multiple beginner and social running gr…

1
EXPO ESSENTIALS: YOUR GUIDE TO THE PERFECT RUNNING EVENT EXPO 23:08

2M ago23:08

23:08

Many of the larger events (and some of the smaller marquee events) will have a running expo. This is where you go and pick up your race pack, that includes your running number and the chip that will record your time. There is also normally plenty of merchandise available as well as booths from sponsors and charity partners. Follow our essentials gu…

1
BEN'S WACKY RACES. WHEELBARROW ADVENTURES SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES 29:22

2M ago29:22

29:22

Ben Brindley is not your average runner. He's very fast, he's been impacted by mental health struggles and he spends hours running with a wheelbarrow. Due to the extreme stresses they face those working in the construction industry are four times more likely to commit suicide and they need support. That's what the Lighthouse, the Construction Chari…

1
THE BEATING HEART OF RUNNING. WHY TRAINING PLANS ARE SO IMPORTANT 22:52

2M ago22:52

22:52

Whatever your running aspiration you need a training plan. Whether your running your first ever 5k, to lose weight, get fit, or to do a sub 4 hour marathon you need to know what to do next. Don't wing it, get yourself a plan and do it the right way. Here we tell you why. For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We hav…

1
SURGERY? WHAT SURGERY? JEREMY IS STILL RUNNING DESPITE HIS MEDICAL SETBACKS! 27:05

2M ago27:05

27:05

Jeremy, a Cornishman living in north London, is no stranger to setbacks in his running career. Surgeries on both knees and two heart procedures would have been enough to end most people's running aspirations, but not Jeremy's. He still runs most days and shows us all that where there is determination and motivation it's still possible to deal with …

1
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE PERFECT RACE DAY AT YOUR NEXT RUNNING EVENT! 25:51

2M ago25:51

25:51

There are so many things that can go wrong on the day, but it doesn't take too much planning to make sure those don't happen. Tim Rogers, who is the first to admit he has made some of these mistakes in previous races, has learnt from them and shares his thoughts on how to make sure your race starts well...and ends well. For more podcasts head to ht…

1
PREPARING FOR YOUR NEXT RUNNING EVENT SHOULD NOT BE A LOTTERY! 26:11

2M ago26:11

26:11

After weeks and potentially months of planning don't leave your race day experience to chance. With hundreds of races under his belt Tim Rogers talks us through some must do race planning tips. Doughnuts anyone? For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 other channels, one on runner stories, another on fundra…

1
SHE RAN THE FURTHEST AND RAISED THE MOST. CAN ANYONE BEAT AOIBHEANN'S 30 DAY CHALLENGE?? 27:59

2M ago27:59

27:59

Aoibheann from Derry has scoliosis, but still managed to run 100km in a month during her 30 Day Challenge. She also raised an incredible £1000, a fantastic achievement, especially when you take into account everything else she had going on, including playing for her local football team! If you'd like to follow in Isabelle's footsteps and run your n…

1
MAKING SHORT WORK OF THE LONG RUN. THEY ARE THE KEY TO RACE SUCCESS! 25:40

2M ago25:40

25:40

With 73 marathons behind him Tim Rogers has done plenty of long runs. Whether it be in Antarctica, London or Cape Town the long run is a crucial part of distance running training. Here Tim talks us through the key elements of the long run and the importance of regarding each of them as a mini event, in preparation for the biggest long run of all, o…

1
ISABELLE MAKES FUNDRAISING LOOK EASY. HER FIRST 10K AND SHE'S ABOUT TO HIT £1000! 27:38

2M ago27:38

27:38

Isabelle Hunter from near Reading in Berkshire only decided to take on her local Wargrave 10k in January as a New Year resolution. Two days later she'd passed her £300 target. Soon after she passed £500 and is now just a few pounds from £1000, with more than three months still to go until race day. She has shown that scoliosis won't stop her comple…

1
FROM SYDNEY TO THE UK, ASH FIGHTS BACK 27:17

2M ago27:17

27:17

Ash in North Wales is determined to get into running to help her lose weight and to rediscover the excitement of finishing a road race. Her first experience of this was at the massive City2Surf event in Sydney ten years ago and now it's time to feel it again, with some fundraising as well. She has started by completing a 30 Day Challenge at home an…

1
WANT TO BE INSPIRED? LISTEN TO ALLY'S REASON FOR RUNNING LONDON AND YOU WILL BE! 29:05

2M ago29:05

29:05

Ally Lewis from Southeast London is running the 2025 London Marathon for Scoliosis Support & Research. Everything was going according to plan until a dreaded knee injury, leading to the first of many visits to her local physiotherapist. Listen as Ally tells us how she dealing with this setback and the amazing story of her nephew who is inspiring he…

1
THE MIRACLE OF VENICE AND OVERCOMING ASTHMA. ALI WON'T BE BEATEN! 27:23

2M ago27:23

27:23

Ali Jomehri from north London only took up running in his 60s and quickly rattled off four marathons, including three of the World Marathon Majors. A chronic asthmatic he credits running with transforming his health, with his dependance on inhalers a thing of the past. With his 80th birthday coming up next year he is still running regularly, with t…

1
THE VALENCIA MARATHON AND NOW ONTO LONDON. MELISSA IS ON A MISSION 28:37

2M ago28:37

28:37

Melissa Woodfield is taking on marathon number two on April 27th in London, in aid of Scoliosis Support & Research. Listen to her fascinating personal story and how she recovered from scoliosis surgery to take on one of the biggest marathons in the world. Her early approach to fundraising has paid dividends and she has already raised £2000. How muc…

1
THE BARCELONA MARATHON WAS TOUGH, BUT WILL STEPHEN'S LONDON ADVENTURE BE EVEN TOUGHER? 31:45

2M ago31:45

31:45

Stephen Johnson from southwest London is a keen runner and is taking on the London Marathon for Scoliosis Support & Research. His first marathon was in Barcelona, an experience that gave him plenty to think about. Losing seven toenails taught him so much about looking after his feet during a marathon and he shares this and many other stories on the…

1
MATT SHOWS SHIFT WORKING IS NO MATCH FOR DRIVE AND DETERMINATION 28:28

2M ago28:28

28:28

Matt Bown from Derbyshire is running the London Marathon 2025 for Scoliosis Support & Research. His sister suffers from the condition and underwent surgery last year. Working shifts can always be challenging and with marathon training and fundraising to fit in as well Matt talks us through how he is finding a way to make it all happen. Training is …

1
FROM HIS BARBER'S CHAIR TO THE STREETS OF LONDON RILEY STRIKES RAFFLE GOLD 28:50

2M ago28:50

28:50

Riley James underwent serious surgery at the age of 14 as a result of his scoliosis condition. Not many years later he is taking on the London Marathon. He tells us how his training is going and his early successes with his fundraising, including chatting to all of his customers! Getting started early is really important and following a plan for bo…

1
SIAN IS RUNNING THE LONDON MARATHON FOR CORNWALL HOSPICE CARE 33:10

3M ago33:10

33:10

In the first of our new podcast series of Runner Stories Sian George from Cornwall talks us through how she is training and fundraising for the 2025 London Marathon. Her fundraising efforts are focused on a social event that she is organising in April, and she has plenty of great tips on how to go about it, including how to approach local businesse…

1
JADE RUNS THE LONDON MARATHON FOR CORNWALL HOSPICE CARE 31:22

3M ago31:22

31:22

In the first of a 3 episode series Jade Hugo from Cornwall talks us through her journey from running novice to the streets of London. Living in a rural location doesn't make winter running easy, but a great solution for Jade was to join a local running club. She tells us about the benefits and the support that her local club offers. She also discus…

1
DEALING WITH DISASTER 39:10

10M ago39:10

39:10

Josh Preister, the Executive Director of the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, tells us how the organising team rerouted the 2024 Big Sur International Marathon in less than a month, as a result of a major slip out! For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 other channels, one on runner stories, another on fundrai…

1
COPING WITH CHALLENGES 46:55

10M ago46:55

46:55

Race directors face many challenges, but has Tom Bedford from the UK had more than his fair share? From the pandemic to unseasonal heat, and much more, Tom, from Run-Fest, tells us how he and his team have dealt with them all and why they are optimistic for the future. For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have …

1
THE COSTS - BREAKING IT DOWN 35:00

11M ago35:00

35:00

Ever wondered where your race entry fee goes? Andy Hully, owner and race director of the Milton Keynes Marathon Weekend in England, breaks down the cost of putting on a running event. With an expected field of over 10,000 runners in 2025 these costs are very significant! For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We hav…

1
RUNNING EVENTS OWNED BY CHARITIES 28:49

12M ago28:49

28:49

Not all running events are owned by commercial businesses. Some are owned by running clubs, some by councils and some by charities. So how do those owned by charities differ from those owned by private companies? Fundraising becomes a priority, not a 'nice to have' like it can do with some other events. Jane Appleton, from Cornwall Hospice Care, te…

1
INSIDE THE IRISH LIFE DUBLIN MARATHON 37:36

12M ago37:36

37:36

Jim Aughney, the race director of the Irish Life Dublin Marathon, tells us what it's like to organise a major city centre marathon. From 3,000 runners back in the 90s to 22,500 in 2024 and a lottery now in place, this is one of the world's big running events. For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 other ch…

1
EXPLAINING THE SUPERHALFS HALF MARATHON RACE SERIES 29:29

1y ago29:29

29:29

Combining your love of running with travel to six of Europe's coolest cities has to be the way to go, right? Imagine feeling the weight of the six race finisher medal when you go over the finish line of your sixth race! In this podcast we talk to Saso Belovski, the Managing Director of the series and find out about its history, how it all works and…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

The Sapphire Running Zone Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen