The Runna Podcast

From one event with 13 runners to a global movement that’s transformed lives—this is the story of how parkrun came to be.This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Paul Sinton-Hewitt, the founder of parkrun, to hear the inspiring story behind one of the world’s most powerful community movements.What started as a small time trial during a difficult period in Paul’s life became a lifeline—not just for him, but for millions around the world.🏃‍♂️ The Birth of parkrun – How injury and isolation led to an idea that would redefine community running ❤️ Family & Connection – Why Paul wishes he had parkrun as a child, and the special bond it fosters between generations 🤝 The Volunteer Spirit – How the volunteer-led model makes parkrun one of the most welcoming and supportive environments in sport 📖 Stories That Inspire – The moving, real-life accounts of people whose lives have been changed by showing up on Saturday mornings ⏱️ Why Slower Is Better – The surprising and powerful reason the average parkrun finish time is getting slowerPaul shares the lessons he’s learned, the magic that makes parkrun what it is, and the power of running’s community. 📘 One Small Step by Paul Sinton-Hewitt is published on 10th April 2025. 👉 Get your copy here ✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏃‍♀️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Answering every question you could possibly have ahead of your next marathon!This week on The Runna Podcast, we bring you the ultimate pre-marathon race guide, packed with tangible, actionable advice from pro marathon runner Anya Culling and Head Coach Ben Parker.We’re joined by Izzy, who’s gearing up for her upcoming 26.2 miles. She shares how she’s feeling, what she’s nervous about, and asks the exact questions so many runners—whether it’s your first marathon or your 100th—are thinking.We break down:🥞 How to fuel properly – in the days before and during the race🧠 The mindset that will carry you through the toughest moments🎒 What to bring on race day – gear, nutrition, and kit essentials⏰ Night-before and race morning routines – staying calm and race-ready✅ Top tips from a pro and a coach – practical advice from those who’ve been thereThis is the episode to save, revisit, and put into practice on race day—your complete guide to feeling confident and ready to take on 26.2 miles. ✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏃‍♀️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Ben Felton, the chef-turned-runner who’s bridging the gap between elite athlete and content creator. With a 66-minute half marathon PB and a 2:24 marathon, Ben doesn’t just run fast—he captures it all on film, offering rare first-person insights into the world of high-performance racing.🔥 A behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to train and race like an elite athlete—while filming every step of the way (running 3:08/km splits)👟 Unfiltered, honest gear reviews from someone who’s tested nearly every carbon-plated shoe out there🎥 A rare first-person view of elite races, showing the mental and physical effort in real time🍳 From Chef to Sub-2:25 – how he traded life in the kitchen for life on the road 🇰🇪 Training in Kenya – what it’s like to run with the world’s best (including someone who ran a 2:18 marathon in flip-flops).🎯 London Marathon Goals – how he’s preparing to break his 2:24 PB and what it takes to keep levelling up.Tune in to get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to train as an elite athlete while filming every step.  ✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏃‍♀️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when doctors say you'll never run again—and you go on to complete 30 marathons, 7 ultramarathons, and a 100K race?This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Latoya Shauntay Snell. From working as a chef in New York City to facing chronic illness and being forced to stop, Latoya’s story is one of resilience and redefining what’s possible.💥 Defying the Odds – From a life-changing diagnosis to completing 30 marathons, 7 ultramarathons, and a 100K race. 🔥 Her Fighting Spirit – Using every finish line to prove the doubters wrong and show what true strength looks like.🏆 A Voice for Inclusion – Fighting for visibility and equity for athletes with unseen disabilities.🌍 Breaking Barriers in Sport – Named one of Sports Illustrated’s 100 most influential Black women in sports and a Root 100 honoree.💬 Building Community – Discovering the empowering running community🧠 Mindset & Movement – The mental resilience it takes to reclaim your story—and keep going.Latoya’s story is proof that no matter what obstacles life throws your way, you can redefine your potential through determination, passion, grit—and the fighting spirit to prove those who don’t believe in you wrong.📩 Have you ever been told you couldn’t do something—and proved them wrong? Drop us a comment or reach out on Instagram. ✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏃‍♀️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with the hilarious Joel Dommett—comedian, TV presenter, and marathon runner! Best known as the host of The Masked Singer, Joel has a knack for making us laugh and captivating us on screen. But did you know that he also took on the challenge of running the London Marathon in a full piranha costume? Yep, you heard that right!From his comedic roots to becoming a household name, Joel’s journey has been anything but conventional. We dive into his experience running for charity, his mental health journey, and what it was really like to race in a giant fish suit.We spoke about: 🏃‍♂️ The Running Journey – How Joel got into running, what motivated him to tackle the London Marathon, and why he chose to do it dressed as a piranha. 💪 Running for a Cause – Why charity work is so close to his heart, especially his connection to Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and how it fueled his marathon journey. 🎭 Balancing Fitness & Fame – How Joel keeps up his fitness routine while hosting The Masked Singer and Survivor, along with his other TV projects. 🧠 Running & Mental Health – How running helps Joel unwind, stay grounded, and find balance in the whirlwind of family and career life. 😂 Hilarious Moments – The funny (and sometimes ridiculous) moments from his marathon training, race day, and the costume challenges. 👀 What's Next for Joel – His running goals, upcoming projects, and whether we might see him tackle another marathon or a crazy new challenge!🎧 Tune in to hear Joel’s unforgettable story of running, laughing, and making it through a marathon in the most ridiculous of outfits, all while supporting a cause close to his heart.✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏁 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to turn tragedy into triumph?This week on The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Billy Monger—a racing prodigy turned endurance athlete whose resilience has shattered expectations. At just 10 years old, Billy was a rising star in motorsport, winning the British Championship and competing in British F4. But in 2017, at just 17 years old, his life changed in an instant after a high-speed crash at Donington Park left him in a coma for three days and resulted in the amputation of both legs.Rather than letting his story end there, Billy fought back, proving that no obstacle is too great to overcome and his mindset is admirable. We spoke about:🏁 The Road to Recovery – How Billy defied expectations and got back behind the wheel, securing a podium finish in British F3 less than a year post-accident.🏆 Breaking Boundaries – Winning his first race post-accident in the EuroFormula Open and becoming a Channel 4 F1 pundit & Paralympic presenter.🌊World Record Breaker – Conquering the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, breaking the double amputee record, and raising nearly £25,000 for Comic Relief.🎥 Life Beyond Racing – Competing on Strictly Come Dancing, inspiring millions, and using his platform to push the boundaries of adaptive sport.💪 How Billy’s mindset, adaptability, and support system have fuelled every challenge he’s faced.🎧 Tune in as we explore Billy’s incredible comeback, his journey from the racetrack to Ironman, and what it truly means to never give up. ✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏁 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Runna Podcast, in honour of International Women’s Day, we’re joined by Lola Anderson—Olympic gold medalist, World Champion, and a powerhouse in women’s sport. From 13-year-old Lola watching London 2012, dreaming of Olympic glory, to the final winning stroke in Paris, we unravel the journey of turning a childhood dream into reality—and everything that came with it.🚣 A race for the ages – Lola takes us inside the intense battle for Olympic gold, the nail-biting final moments, and the unbelievable finish that left the world in awe.🏆 Overcoming setbacks – Lola opens up about the challenges on her road to Paris 2024, the moments of doubt, and the unwavering support system that kept her pushing forward.❤️ Her father’s belief – The emotional moment of winning Olympic gold, the disbelief at the finish line, and fulfilling the dream her father always knew she would achieve🎯 Looking ahead to LA 2028 – what’s next for the best quad in the world?Tune in as we talk about the mindset that fuels her success, the inspiration she brings to athletes everywhere and what it truly means to have a childhood dream—and see it through to the very finish.We’d love to hear your thoughts—send them to PODCAST@RUNNA.COM or connect with us on Instagram. 📩📱✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏃‍♂️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you come back from a career-threatening injury when giving up isn’t an option? This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Tim Don—a two-time Olympian, four-time World Champion, and the man who set the Ironman World Record in 2017 before a devastating accident changed his life.Days before the 2017 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Tim was hit by a truck while cycling, breaking his neck. Instead of surgery, he chose an extreme recovery method—the halo brace, a metal frame drilled into his skull—giving himself the best chance of returning to elite competition.We talked about:🏆Breaking the Ironman World Record with a time of 7:40:23💔Overcoming a devastating cycling accident and recovering with a halo brace🏃‍♂️Running the Boston Marathon just six months later in 2:49:42⏳Pushing through pain, setbacks, and the mental toughness that keeps him goingJoin us as we talk about Tim’s record breaking career, his grueling recovery and his journey since becoming ‘The Man with the Halo’. This is an episode you don’t want to miss. We’d love to hear your thoughts—send them to PODCAST@RUNNA.COM or connect with us on Instagram. 📩📱✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏃‍♂️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to run 572km across all 11 London Underground lines in just 11 days? Or cover 960km across the UK and Ireland’s capitals in the same amount of time? This week on the Runna Podcast, we sit down with Jonny Davies, a true ultra-running champion whose dedication to both endurance sports and mental health advocacy has left an indelible mark on the running world.Jonny’s incredible feats of endurance have included: 🏃‍♂️ Completing the London Underground challenge: 572km in 11 days with over 8,500 meters of elevation gain. 🏙️ Running 960km across the capitals of the UK and Ireland for Calm Zone💪 Leading Scrambled Legs, a run club that's creating a powerful community of runners. 🧠 Championing mental health through his ultra-running journey, proving that running isn't just physical—it's mental too.In this episode, we discuss: 👟 What drives Jonny to take on his extraordinary ultra challenges. 💥 How he manages physical exhaustion and mental fatigue during his most intense runs. 💬 The importance of mental health advocacy and how his running journey ties into that. 🏆 Leading Scrambled Legs: Why Jonny is passionate about building a supportive running community. 💭 How ultra running has changed his life and perspective on resilience.Jonny’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and how one person’s journey can change the lives of many. Tune in to hear about the highs, lows, and the mindset behind tackling monumental challenges—both on and off the running trail.We’d love to hear your thoughts—send them to PODCAST@RUNNA.COM or connect with us on Instagram. 📩📱✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏃‍♂️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your greatest athletic achievements came after having triplets? This week on the Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Clare Elms, a multi-time world record holder and one of the most dominant Masters runners of all time.Despite discovering her talent later in life, Clare has gone on to:🏆 Win five European indoor gold medals and multiple world records.⏱️ Break the W60 Mile World Record with an incredible 5:26.13.🇬🇧 Set 14 UK age-group records🏃‍♀️ Dominate ParkRun—she’s been the fastest female finisher in all 158 ParkRuns she’s done!In this episode, we talk about:👟 Winning races at 45+ and staying at the top of her game.🥑 Why she eats avocado with every meal.👩‍👧 The joy of training and racing with her daughter.🆕 How new shoe technology has given her a second wind.💪 The mindset behind "slowing down the getting slower.”Clare’s story is a powerful reminder that age doesn’t define your potential—it’s all about mindset, training smart, and loving the sport.We’d love to hear your thoughts and what keeps you motivated—send them to PODCAST@RUNNA.COM or connect with us on Instagram. 📩📱✨ Don’t forget to use the code ‘PODCAST25’ for 2 weeks free on Runna! 🏃‍♀️ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.