The UKRunChat podcast.

In this episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, we chat to Bob Yates, who is nearing the end of a monumental challenge — running the length of Britain from Land's End to John O'Groats to celebrate his 60th birthday.We hear how Bob went from a treadmill in the bedroom just over 10 years ago when he took up running, to training for ultras and signing up for a 1,000+ mile adventure. He talks about why he fuels his running on a vegan diet, what the journey has taught him, and how he’s raising money for a charity funding life-changing surgery for children in Uganda.Bob’s fundraising page: www.humanitydirect.org/bobFollow Bob’s progress: Strava & Instagram feeds on his fundraising page

UK Eiden, Inspired by Japan’s world-famous Hakone Ekiden, brings long-distance team relay racing to UK roads, blending university athletics, corporate participation, and cultural exchange.In this episode, host Michelle catches up with Anna Dingley (UK Ekiden founder) and Matt Seddon (Athletics Director & Oxford University Cross Country Head Coach) after this year’s event, which saw university and corporate teams racing along the Thames — with plenty of action, community spirit, and lessons learned!You’ll hear about: The roots of Ekiden and why it’s so popular in Japan 🇯🇵 How UK Ekiden is inspiring UK university and club runners Standout moments (and challenges) from this year’s race The importance of team spirit in endurance running Why Oxford got disqualified this year! Growing UK–Japan cultural links through running The vision for making UK Ekiden a fixture in the UK calendar Instagram: @ukekiden Website: ukekiden.comPhoto Credit: Phil Hill

Everything You Need to Know About Treadmill Running – with Joe Justice from Wahoo FitnessLinks:In this episode of the UKRunChat podcast, we’re joined by Joe Justice, Senior Product Manager for Running at Wahoo Fitness. Joe combines over 20 years of experience as a runner and coach with deep expertise in product strategy to create innovative tools for runners, including Wahoo’s latest smart treadmill technology.We cover everything runners want to know about treadmill running, including:What makes a treadmill smartHow to get the most out of your workouts on a treadmillHow far is too far on a treadmill?How pacing differs indoorsUsing treadmill data to improve performanceHow treadmill training fits into marathon or ultra prepWhat to look for when buying a treadmillTips to stay motivated and common mistakes to avoid, plusDo we really need the treadmill on that 1% incline?https://www.instagram.com/wahoofitnessofficial/

In this episode of the UKRunChat podcast, we welcome Steve Till, a true endurance sport veteran. From finishing last in his first school race to representing Great Britain in 24-hour running events, from completing more than 100 marathons to walking 100 miles in under 24 hours as a Centurion, Steve has dedicated his life to the pursuit of distance. We explore the origins of his running journey, the highs and lows of competition, what fuels his passion, and what he’s learned over four decades of movement.Steve has competed in 100km and 24-hour running events for his country, has won medals innational championships, has run more than 100 marathons, over 500 parkruns, and is a Centurion, having race walked 100 miles in less than 24 hours.But it wasn’t always that way. His running passion was ignited in 1971, watching the European Championships on TV, but he spent the first few years of his running life coming last in school sports day races and then university cross country events.Finally hard work triumphed over talent, and he moved up the rankings, finally securing thatmuch-sought-after Great Britain call-up in 1996. Steve believes that having exactly the right target in any walk of life can supply all the motivation you need to put yourself in with a chance of achieving it. In his case, that was a GB vest; in yours, perhaps promotion, that dream job, doing Couch-to-5K or your first marathon. If you hit upon a goal and a light bulb goes on in your head and you say, “If I could just achieve that, I could die happy,” then you’ve got the right one.That sort of goal is so compelling, it delivers all the impetus you need to do the work necessary to get there.Here are 26 career highlights – above and below 26.2 miles!2021 500th parkrun2011 Ran Chicago Marathon(Completing set of current Marathon Majors – London, Berlin, New York City, Boston, Chicago)2003 100th marathon1996 Represented GB in European 24-hour Championships1996 Represented England in Anglo-Celtic Plate 100km Run Championships(England beat Scotland, Ireland and Wales)1996 Ran in 100th Boston Marathon1995 2nd in National 24 hours Run Championships1995 3rd in Compton 40 miles trail race1994 3rd in National 24 hours Run Championships1994 1st in Humberside 24 hours Run Championships1994 3rd in National 100km Run Championships1989 Ran New York City Marathon1987 2nd in Solihull 24 hours Run Championships1986 1st in Totton Half Marathon1985 3rd in Southampton Marathon1985 3rd in Surrey 50 miles Walk (successor to London to Brighton)1984 Ran Berlin Marathon1984 5th in Foster’s Quadrathon(2m swim, 50km walk, 100m bike, marathon)1984 2nd in London to Brighton Walk1983 3rd in London to Brighton Walk1983 6th in Foster’s Quadrathon(2m swim, 50km walk, 100m bike, marathon)1983 Surrey 100 miles Walk – qualified as Centurion 768(Have to walk 100 in under 24 hours in a judged race)1982 2nd in London to Brighton Walk1982 3rd in Bradford 50km Walk1981 7th in London to Brighton Walk (most famous ultradistance walk in the world)1981 Ran 1st London Marathon'Check out Steves website 

Running Through It All: Pregnancy, Parenthood & Recovery from Injury with Olympian Stephanie DavisIn this episode of the UKRunChat podcast, Michelle welcomes back Olympic marathoner, coach, and new mum Stephanie Davis. Since her last appearance, Steph has navigated the highs and challenges of pregnancy, birth via C-section, postpartum recovery, and a return to running — all while continuing her coaching work with Runna.Steph shares openly about:Managing a bone stress injury that disrupted her Olympic hopesStaying active during pregnancy, adapting training, and tuning into her bodyRecovering from a C-section and returning to running with patience and supportThe emotional and physical realities of the postpartum periodHer evolving role as a coach with Runna, and the exciting next chapter with StravaAnd lots more.......Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, coaching others, or managing your own return from injury — Steph’s honesty, and practical tips will resonate.Steph is a Coach at our partners Runna. You can get an extended free trial of Runna using the code UKRUNCHAT1Follow Steph on Instagram

In this episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, Michelle speaks with Endurance Physio Mike James, who brings a wealth of experience from marathons, Ironmans, and ultra events, offering both scientific and lived perspectives on the rise of ultra running.The conversation explores the surge in popularity of ultra marathons—why so many runners are skipping traditional distance progressions, the physical and psychological demands of ultras, training strategies, injury risk management, and the value of walk-run strategies and time-on-feet over mileage obsession.Whether you’re considering your first ultra or looking to train smarter, this episode is packed with nuanced, practical advice from someone who’s seen (and run) it all.Topics Covered:Why more runners are skipping straight to ultrasThe mental vs physical challenge of ultra distancesWhy each ultra is different: terrain, elevation, distance, and formatPlanning training based on lifestyle, not ideal circumstancesImportance of "time on feet" vs mileageWalk/run strategies and their value for race dayCustomizing training blocks and weekly frequencyAvoiding injury - risk reduction vs preventionWhy recovery is often more important than more trainingWhy evidence for injury prevention is weaker than most believeAnd lots more! Follow Mike on Instagram or on X

Simon Blair turned to ultra running as a way to manage his mind, find focus, and push past limits he once thought defined him.  Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Simon shares how endurance sport, including the Marathon des Sables, became more than just a physical test for him.Listen to Michelle and Simon discuss:Living with ADHD and receiving a diagnosis as an adult.Using ultra running to manage focus, emotions & resilience.Behind the scenes of Beyond Limits, his new documentary.Why we need more awareness, earlier diagnosis, and real conversation.Follow Simon on Instagram  

In this episode of the UKRunChat podcast, we’re joined by Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson, the authors of Ultra Women, a powerful book that shines a light on the untold stories of women in endurance sport..We explore the inspiration behind the book, the process of gathering and curating such raw and personal narratives, and what these stories reveal about identity, resilience, and representation for women.From elite athletes to everyday heroes, Ultra Women isn’t just about running, it’s about freedom, resilience, and mental strength. Lily and Emma reflect on what they learned through writing these untold stories, how the sport is changing, and what still needs to happen to create truly inclusive spaces in ultrarunning.Find the Ultra Women book here:Follow Lily on InstagramFollow Emma on Instagram

This week on the UKRunChat Podcast, we speak with adventurer & mental health advocate Alex Staniforth about his most ambitious challenge yet – climbing all 446 mountains in England & Wales in just 50 days. 🏔️But this episode is more than a challenge breakdown – it's about why Alex does what he does, how he overcame personal struggles, and how he's turning endurance into impact through his charity, Mind Over Mountains.Alex is a survivor of two Mount Everest disasters which have given Alex a unique perspective on success and failure, and a new purpose to inspire others and leave something bigger behind.Website: www.alexstaniforth.com/446challengeDonate: www.justgiving.com/page/446challenge 

In this episode of the UKRunChat podcast, we’re joined by trail running photographer David Miller, whose emotive and powerful imagery has captured the hearts of the running community worldwide.David talks us through his journey from trail runner to award-winning photographer, revealing how lockdown sparked a creative path that led him to shoot some of the world’s most iconic endurance events. We delve into the stories behind his most recognised images—like his award-winning photo of Mathieu Blanchard at UTMB, and the now-legendary shot of Jasmin Paris at the Barkley Marathons.David shares how he finds meaning in the raw, unfiltered moments of trail running, what it takes to shoot in unpredictable, extreme environments, and how he approaches storytelling through a lens. We also discuss the making of his first photo book, Do Not Block Gate, and what it’s taught him about the emotional power of sport photography.Whether you’re a runner, a creative, or someone who loves the human stories behind endurance, this conversation offers a unique look at the intersection of art and movement.You can follow David on Instagram here