BITTEN BY THE RUNNING BUG

In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone Runner Reviews Podcast, Adam Dixon joins host Tim Rogers to review his experience at the Manchester Marathon, where he achieved a very impressive 2:57 finish time.
Adam discusses his training programme, which combined interval sessions, long runs, hill work, gym training, and careful race nutrition. Despite averaging around 37 miles per week, he credits consistency, strength work, and disciplined pacing for helping him break the three-hour barrier.
The pair also discuss the Manchester Marathon course, its excellent organisation, and the incredible crowd support that creates a memorable race-day atmosphere. Adam shares insights into how he manages pacing, uses nutrition to avoid hitting the wall, and stays mentally focused throughout the race.
The conversation finishes with a look at Adam's recent Backyard Ultra challenge and his future goal of running a personal best at the Warsaw Marathon as he targets a Good For Age qualification for the London Marathon.
Key takeaway: Success in marathon running comes from consistent training, smart pacing, effective nutrition, and a positive mindset.
For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have three channels, this one, one on event podcasts and one for members only. If you'd to be the focus of one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.
If you'd like to join Adam and run for Alder Hey Children's Charity you can find out more here
Keywords
Manchester Marathon review
Manchester Marathon 2026
Sub 3 hour marathon
Marathon training tips
Marathon pacing strategy
Marathon nutrition
Marathon race review
Marathon training plan
Running podcast
Marathon runner interview

In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone Runner Review Podcast, Tim Rogers speaks with Simon Webb about completing his first Manchester Marathon while raising money for the Scoliosis Support and Research charity.
Simon explains how he progressed from casual running and local races to taking on the marathon challenge after his daughter Isla underwent spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis. Fundraising for the cause became a powerful source of motivation throughout his training.
The conversation covers the realities of marathon preparation, including balancing training with family life, overcoming setbacks, and building up to his longest training runs. Simon also shares his race-day experience, praising the atmosphere, organisation, and crowd support at Manchester.
While the first half of the race felt comfortable, the final miles became a tough mental and physical challenge. Despite just missing his four-hour target, Simon crossed the finish line in an impressive 4:09 and was delighted with the achievement.
A key highlight was his fundraising success, raising approximately £2,500 through sponsorship, community events, and a popular charity race night. Simon also discusses the importance of family support and why he has already signed up to return for Manchester Marathon next year.
The episode provides an honest insight into first-time marathon running, fundraising, and the determination needed to achieve a personal challenge while supporting a meaningful cause.
For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have three channels, this one, one on event podcasts and one for members only. If you'd to be the focus of one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.
If you'd like to join Simon and run for Scoliosis Support & Research you can find out more here
Keywords
Manchester Marathon
Manchester Marathon review
First marathon experience
Marathon training journey
Marathon fundraising
Marathon race report
First-time marathon runner
Running for charity
Marathon podcast
Marathon training tips
 

In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone Podcast, Tim Rogers talks to Fi Collins, Director of Fundraising at Switch the Play Foundation, about her journey from first-time runner to ultra marathon finisher.
Fi shares her experience of recently completing a challenging 52km ultra marathon in the Cotswolds and reflects on how running became part of her life after signing up for the Gold Coast Marathon while living in Australia. What began as a fundraising challenge for Cancer Research UK soon developed into a passion for endurance running. The conversation explores Fi's love of trail running, including taking on the demanding 100km Trailwalker event, and the lessons she has learned about pacing, teamwork and resilience.
Fi also discusses the work of Switch the Play Foundation, which supports athletes transitioning out of professional sport, and explains why storytelling is such an important part of successful fundraising.
The episode concludes with practical advice for runners and fundraisers, highlighting the value of supportive running partners, consistent training and using a personal connection to a cause as motivation when the miles get tough.
For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have three channels, this one, one on event podcasts and one for members only. If you'd to be the focus of one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.
If you'd like to join Fi and run for the Switch The Play Foundation you can find out more here
Keywords
Ultra marathon training
Trail running
Ultra marathon runner
Fundraising for charity
Charity running events
Running for charity
Trail ultra marathon
Endurance running
Marathon fundraising
Ultra running tips
Switch The Play Foundation
 
 

Join Tim Rogers from the Sapphire Running Zone as he chats with Andrea Watt, Stewardship Officer at the Stroke Association and passionate marathon runner from northeast Scotland. From running the London Marathon with a Walkman, paper sponsor forms, and no GPS tracking, to completing the New York City Marathon alongside her daughter Rebecca, Andrea shares stories from nearly three decades of running, fundraising, and community spirit.
In this inspiring episode, Andrea reflects on how marathon culture has changed over the years, the unforgettable atmosphere of New York and London, and why she still loves the challenge of training and race day in her fifties. She also shares practical fundraising advice for charity runners, including how to use your local community, social media, and creative ideas to hit ambitious targets without being afraid to ask for support.
The conversation also explores the emotional side of running; the friendships formed on race day, the shared experience of wearing a charity vest, and why every early-morning training run becomes worth it when you cross the finish line. Andrea talks openly about returning to running after raising her children, chasing new marathons, and learning to focus less on finish times and more on enjoying the experience.
Whether you’re preparing for your first half marathon, fundraising for a cause close to your heart, or dreaming about running one of the big city centre marathons, this episode is full of warmth, humour, nostalgia, and motivation.
For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have three channels, this one, one on event podcasts and one for members only. If you'd to be the focus of one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.
If you'd like to join Andrea and run for the Stroke Association you can find out more here
Keywords
marathon fundraising tips
London Marathon fundraising ideas
charity marathon training
marathon podcast
running podcast UK
New York City Marathon experience
London Marathon 1997
Stroke Association fundraising
half marathon motivation
marathon training inspiration
running community stories
fundraising for charity marathon
marathon runner interview
women marathon runners over 50
marathon training journey
creative fundraising ideas
running for charity tips
UK running podcast
major marathon experiences
London vs New York Marathon
half marathon training motivation
endurance running stories
marathon mindset
fundraising manager interview
running and community spirit

In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, host Tim Rogers interviews Ivor Stratford about completing the legendary Marathon des Sables, a 270km ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert.
Ivor explains the intense six-month preparation process, which included 100-mile training weeks, gym sessions, treadmill hiking with a weighted pack, and desert heat training in Dubai. He discusses how balancing training alongside work, travel, and family life required huge discipline and mental resilience.
The conversation explores the realities of the race itself:
Six stages over eight days
Self-supported racing in extreme desert conditions
Carrying all food and equipment
Sleeping in basic communal tents
Managing severe heat, dehydration, and exhaustion
One of the most dramatic moments came before the race had even started, when Ivor became seriously ill with dehydration and nearly withdrew. After treatment in the medical tent and advice to use beef stock cubes for electrolytes, he recovered enough to continue.
Ivor also shares:
The mental challenge of the 100km stage
Hallucinations caused by exhaustion
The difficulty of eating enough calories
The camaraderie formed between runners
The emotional experience of crossing the finish line
Alongside the physical challenge, Ivor used the event to raise money for Dreams Come True and Hospice of St Francis, with fundraising totals already exceeding £11,000.
The episode finishes with Ivor discussing future endurance goals, including the North Downs Way 100 and the Moab 240 ultramarathon in 2027.
If you'd like to support Ivor his fundraising page is here
For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have three channels, this one, one on event podcasts and one for members only. If you'd to be the focus of one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.
Keywords
Marathon des Sables
Marathon des Sables podcast
Sahara Desert ultramarathon
ultramarathon training
endurance running podcast
multi-stage ultramarathon
desert ultramarathon
Marathon des Sables experience
Marathon des Sables training
ultrarunning challenges
endurance athlete interview
Sahara running race
self-supported ultramarathon
ultra marathon nutrition
ultramarathon hydration
100 mile ultra training
ultramarathon mental toughness
running in the desert
ultramarathon gear
endurance race preparation
marathon des sables tips
extreme endurance events
ultra running motivation
endurance sports podcast
Tim Rogers podcast
Ivor Stratford
Sapphire Running Zone
Moab 240
North Downs Way 100
 
 

In this inspiring episode of the Sapphire Running Zone Podcast, Tim Rogers sits down with first-time London Marathon runner Julie Tague to hear the incredible story behind her 26.2-mile journey for St. Raphael’s Hospice.
From struggling through her first runs at university to completing the iconic London Marathon in 4:18, Julie shares the highs, lows, emotions and unexpected moments that shaped her experience. The conversation covers everything from injury setbacks and winter training to race-day nerves, Tower Bridge euphoria, and the emotional final miles through Westminster.
Julie also opens up about running in memory of loved ones, the personal connection she has with London, and how she raised £3,000 for St. Raphael’s Hospice through raffles, bake sales and community support.
Whether you’re training for your first marathon, thinking about running for charity, or simply love hearing real stories from everyday runners, this episode is packed with honesty, inspiration and practical insights.
Topics covered:
• First-time marathon training• Recovering from injury setbacks• London Marathon race-day experience• Running for charity• Marathon mindset and motivation• Fundraising tips• Life after marathon finish lines
Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, community, and discovering what you’re truly capable of.
For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have three channels, this one, one on event podcasts and one for members only. If you'd to be the focus of one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.
If you'd like to find out more about running for St Raphael's Hospice head here
Keywords
London Marathon 2026
London Marathon podcast
first time marathon runner
London Marathon experience
marathon training journey
charity marathon story
St Raphael’s Hospice marathon
London Marathon fundraising
marathon motivation
beginner marathon tips
emotional marathon story
women marathon runners
marathon recovery tips
Tower Bridge London Marathon
London Marathon race day
how to train for a marathon
running podcast UK

In this powerful episode of the Sapphire Running Zone Podcast, Tim Rogers speaks to Eleanor Thomas and Lisa Phee about their unforgettable experience at the London Marathon. Living with multiple physical and mental health conditions, Eleanor set out to prove that disability and chronic illness do not have to define what someone can achieve. Supported by Lisa through the Richard Whitehead Foundation support runner programme, the pair spent months preparing together before tackling 26.2 emotional and challenging miles through London.
The conversation explores the realities of marathon day, from overwhelming crowds and severe pain flare-ups to moments of doubt, resilience, and incredible support from volunteers and spectators. Eleanor shares how she nearly gave up several times, while Lisa reflects on the responsibility and privilege of helping someone achieve a life-changing goal. Together, they discuss the importance of accessibility in sport, the power of community, and how completing the marathon became about far more than just a finish time.
This is a deeply honest and inspiring story about perseverance, friendship, and discovering that courage is sometimes simply taking the next step.
For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have three channels, this one, one on event podcasts and one for members only. If you'd to be the focus of one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.
If you'd like to find out more about the Richard Whitehead Foundation head here
Keywords
London Marathon story
inspirational marathon story
disability running support
support runner programme
Richard Whitehead Foundation
inclusive running events UK
marathon finish line story
overcoming chronic illness sports
mental health and running
adaptive running support

This episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast features Emma Walker discussing the growing impact of “own place” runners: people who secure their own race entries and choose to fundraise for charity.
Emma shares insights from her role at the Ayrshire Hospice, where community fundraising plays a vital role in supporting specialist palliative and end-of-life care services across Ayrshire and Arran. The conversation explores how runners in events like the Great Scottish Run and Edinburgh Marathon are helping charities reduce costs while raising vital awareness and donations.
The episode highlights:
The difference between charity-place runners and own-place runners
Why even small fundraising amounts can make a meaningful impact
How storytelling and social media help runners raise support
The emotional motivation behind running for a cause
The importance of stewardship and community support from charities
Lessons learned from large-scale fundraising events like Run the Runway
Emma also reflects on her own running journey, the challenges of balancing training with fundraising, and why running for a meaningful cause can provide powerful motivation through difficult moments. The episode is an inspiring look at how ordinary runners can create extraordinary impact for charities and their local communities.
For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have three channels, this one, one on event podcasts and one for members only. If you'd to be the focus of one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.
If you'd like to join Emma's running team at Ayrshire Hospice you can find out more here
Keywords
charity running
own place runners
marathon fundraising
fundraising for charity runs
hospice fundraising
Ayrshire Hospice
London Marathon charity fundraising
Great Scottish Run fundraising
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endurance fundraising
charity race fundraising
fundraising ideas for runners
 

In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, Tim Rogers is joined by Amber Whitaker, Sports Events Manager at Young Lives vs Cancer, to talk about her journey from beginner runner to London Marathon finisher.
Amber shares how she first got into running after losing her nan to cancer, why fundraising became such an important part of her journey, and what it was really like to take on her first marathon at the iconic London Marathon. From training setbacks and marathon nerves to unforgettable moments at Tower Bridge and the finish line at Buckingham Palace, this is an honest and inspiring conversation about resilience, self-belief, and running with purpose.
Amber also shares practical fundraising advice for charity runners, including how to tell your story, engage supporters, and balance marathon training with fundraising goals.
Whether you’re training for your first race, fundraising for a cause close to your heart, or simply love hearing real marathon stories, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight.
If you'd like to join Amber's team and run for Young Lives vs Cancer you can find out more here
For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have three channels, this one, one on event podcasts and one for members only. If you'd to be the focus of one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.
Keywords
London Marathon story
first marathon experience
beginner marathon training
charity marathon fundraising
running and fundraising tips
marathon training journey
London Marathon experience 2025 / 2026
first-time marathon runner interview
marathon mental preparation
running motivation story

Host Tim Rogers chats with Dan Hall, who completed an extraordinary challenge of running 50 races in a single year to mark his 50th birthday. Dan ran the London Marathon in April 2025 as his opener and returned to London in 2026 as his finale, with 48 races in between, spanning 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and marathons, on both road and trail.
Dan ran in support of Phab, a charity that has played a significant role in his family's life through supporting his daughter, who was born with Down syndrome, in gaining independence.
Key topics covered include:
The challenge itself — how Dan mapped out the year, found races (including some hidden gems), and worked with his coach to weave events into his training plan rather than on top of it.
Race highlights — including Ale & Trail microbrewery trail runs, the Martian Race in Woking, and the emotional experience of running his 49th race surrounded by running club mates who surprised him on the day.
London 2025 vs London 2026 — a hot, PB-chasing first race versus a slower, more emotional and atmospheric finale, soaking up the crowd and sharing the moment with family and FAB supporters.
Fundraising — how Dan kept donations coming over a full year through LEGO and Formula One raffles, football sweepstakes, and leaning into the personal story behind his charity choice.
Advice for runners — hydrate consistently, don't beat yourself up over missed sessions, take rest when your body needs it, and enjoy the process.
If you'd like to join Dan and run for Phab in 2027 you can find out more here
For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have three channels, this one, one on event podcasts and one for members only. If you'd to be the focus of one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.
Keywords
running 50 races in a year, charity marathon running, London Marathon 2026, trail running UK, fundraising for charity, Down syndrome charity, Phab charity, birthday running challenge, ultra running challenge, marathon training plan, how to find local races, microbrewery trail run, running motivation, marathon tips, charity fundraising ideas, running raffle fundraiser, beginner marathon tips, road vs trail running, London Marathon experience, running community UK, midlife fitness challenge, marathon hydration tips, 50th birthday challenge