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 businesses. Fundraising and training for a major running event at the same time is never straightforward but if you plan ahead it is so much easier!

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have four channels, one on training support, another on fundraising, a third on runner stories and a fourth on events. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com

PODCAST NOTES

Keywords running, marathon, charity, Cornwall Hospice Care, fundraising, personal journey, support, training, community, mental health Summary In this conversation, Tim Rogers interviews Sian George about her journey as a first-time marathon runner for Cornwall Hospice Care. Sian shares her initial reluctance towards running, her motivations for participating in the London Marathon, and the personal connections that led her to choose this charity. The discussion highlights the importance of support from the charity, the ups and downs of training, the challenges of running in a hilly region, and the efforts involved in fundraising. Sian emphasises the mental aspect of running and the community spirit that comes with participating in a charity event. Takeaways

• Sian started as a non-runner but is now committed to running.
• Fundraising is a significant motivation for her marathon participation.
• The London Marathon represents a personal challenge for Sian.
• Sian's connection to Cornwall Hospice Care is deeply personal.
• Support from the charity has been crucial for Sian's training.
• Training for a marathon involves both physical and mental preparation.
• Running in Cornwall presents unique challenges due to its hills.
• Sian is actively engaging her community for fundraising efforts.
• The importance of planning and organizing for both training and fundraising.
• Building a support network is vital for marathon training.

• From Non-Runner to Marathoner: Sian's Journey
• Running for a Cause: Sian's Marathon Story
• The Heart Behind the Miles: Sian's Charity Run

• "I am basically a non-runner."
• "It's all about the fundraising."
• "It's a motivator as well."
• "It's such a roller coaster."
• "You have to listen to your body."
• "Cornwall is very hilly."