BITTEN BY THE RUNNING BUG

Tim Rogers of the Sapphire Running Zone is joined by three runners: Jacqui, Emma, and Rebecca, who took on the 2026 TCS London Marathon (as part of the record-breaking 60,000-strong field), all raising money for Phab, a charity providing inclusive activities for disabled and non-disabled people. The three reflect on what drew them to Phab, the highs and lows of a winter training block marked by injury, bad weather, and maranoia, and the electric atmosphere of race day itself, from Tower Bridge to the brutal final miles. They also share practical fundraising tips that go well beyond a simple fundraising page, from corporate sponsorship and bonus ball draws to bingo afternoons and Vinted selling.
Phab has been working to build an inclusive world for almost 70 years, supporting a national network of Phab Clubs and running Phab Adventures. It brings together disabled and non-disabled people of all ages in a spirit of togetherness and fun, creating spaces and places where everyone belongs.
If you'd like to run for Phab in 2027 you can apply 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, TCS London Marathon 2026, Phab charity, charity running, marathon training, fundraising ideas, disability charity, inclusive activities, Tower Bridge, Cutty Sark, marathon race day, long distance running, charity fundraising, marathon tips, running injuries, tendonitis, maranoia, taper, first marathon, women runners, Sapphire Running Zone, marathon motivation, running podcast, charity marathon, JustGiving, corporate sponsorship, marathon finish line, running for charity, physical disabilities, Down syndrome awareness

In this episode, Stuart Price shares his running journey from his initial 5k runs in 2020 to a 3:09:59 finish at the Manchester Marathon in 2026, knocking nearly 10 minutes off his PB.
His biggest improvements came after turning 50, thanks to smarter training, strength work, and better recovery, but the real breakthrough was mental. By focusing on one mile at a time, he stayed consistent and avoided burnout during the race.
Stuart credits his running club for motivation and accountability and now has his sights set on going sub-3 at the Valencia Marathon.
His key messages: Train smart, stay consistent, and mindset matters more than you think.
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
Manchester Marathon race report
Marathon training tips
Sub 3:10 marathon
Marathon mindset tips
Running after 50 improvement
How to run a sub 3:10 marathon
Marathon pacing strategy one mile at a time
Training plan for marathon beginners to advanced
How to improve marathon time after 50
Strength training for marathon runners
Marathon taper strategy tips
Running club benefits for marathon training
Marathon fueling strategy gels and hydration
Manchester Marathon course review
 

In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone Podcast, Tim Rogers speaks with Stuart Boakes about his inspiring return to running after years away from the sport.
Stuart shares how watching the Great North Run motivated him to get back into fitness, despite initially struggling to run for even a minute using the Couch to 5K program. Through consistency, improved nutrition, and support from friends and a local running club, he quickly progressed from beginner to completing multiple Parkrun races, achieving significant personal bests.
Within just a few months, Stuart built up to running a half marathon, finishing in an impressive 1:45 after pacing alongside experienced runners. He highlights the importance of community, strength training, and mental determination in his journey. Now, he’s focused on training for the Great North Run, raising funds for the Great North Air Ambulance Service.
The episode is a motivating story of how gradual progress, support systems, and commitment can lead to remarkable transformation at any age.
If you'd like to join Stuart and fundraise for Great North Air Ambulance 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
Couch to 5K
Beginner running journey
Half marathon training
Parkrun community
Running motivation
Fitness over 50
Personal best improvement
Running transformation
Great North Run
Endurance training
Strength training for runners
Running club support
Weight loss and fitness
Charity fundraising run
Mental resilience in sport
 
 

In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, Tim Rogers speaks with Olivia Harman about her journey to completing the Brighton Marathon.
Olivia shares how she took on her first marathon in support of Scoliosis Support & Research, a charity deeply personal to her following her scoliosis diagnosis. Her training journey wasn’t smooth, despite months of preparation, she suffered a hamstring tear just weeks before race day, leaving her uncertain if she could even start.
Determined to see it through, Olivia showed up with limited recent training and relied on mental strength, careful pacing, and race-day adrenaline. She reflects on the uplifting atmosphere of Brighton, the support from crowds and charities, and the mental challenge of hitting “the wall” in the later stages.
Crossing the finish line in 4:40, alongside her nephew, was an emotional and empowering moment. Olivia’s story highlights resilience, the power of purpose-driven running, and how personal challenges can be transformed into meaningful achievements.
If you'd like to join Olivia and take on a fundraising event for Scoliosis Support & Research 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
Brighton Marathon
Marathon training
First marathon
Running with injury
Hamstring tear recovery
Mental resilience
Charity fundraising
Scoliosis Support &  Research
Scoliosis awareness
Beginner marathon runner
Race day experience
Hitting the wall
Running motivation
Community support in running
Endurance mindset

In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, host Tim Rogers speaks with fundraiser Emma Millard about an unconventional but highly effective approach to fundraising; gym-based challenges.
Emma, who works for Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind, shares her journey from support worker to fundraiser and explains how firsthand experience with service users shaped her passion for raising money.
She discusses two standout challenges:
A 36-hour team gym event, where participants rotated through different activities every hour, raising around £1,000.
A 12-hour solo Stairmaster challenge, enhanced with interactive donation incentives (like paying for breaks or controlling workout intensity), raising £700–£800 and directly supporting a child’s medical treatment.
Throughout the conversation, Emma highlights the unique advantages of gym fundraising: low cost, built-in audiences, and high engagement. She emphasises the importance of storytelling, social media (especially LinkedIn), and making supporters feel part of the journey.
The episode offers practical insights for fundraisers looking to move beyond traditional events and try something creative, accessible, and impactful.
If you'd like to join Emma and take on a fundraising event for Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind 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
Gym fundraising
Charity challenges
Mental health fundraising
Endurance events
Community engagement
Storytelling in fundraising
Social media strategy
LinkedIn fundraising
Interactive donations
Fitness challenges
Stairmaster challenge
Team vs solo fundraising
Event planning
Fundraising tips

In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, Bitten By The Running Bug, Tim Rogers speaks with Kat Michaels, Deputy Head of Fundraising at CancerCare, about her journey into running, her experience in charity fundraising, and the challenge of organising one of the UK’s most unique races.
Kat shares how she got into running as a new mum, starting with just one kilometre a day and gradually building up to 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons. She reflects on the importance of consistency, setting realistic goals, and leaning on community support to stay motivated.
The conversation also explores the link between running and fundraising. Kat offers practical advice on how to maximise donations, from sharing personal stories and using social media effectively to combining online efforts with traditional community fundraising. She highlights how many runners see a boost in donations after completing their event and stresses the importance of making fundraising personal and meaningful.
A major focus of the episode is Kat’s role as race director for the CancerCare Cross Bay Half Marathon. She gives a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of organising an event across Morecambe Bay, a tidal bay, where the route changes depending on weather and conditions and isn’t finalised until the last minute. Safety, logistics, and financial planning all play a crucial role in delivering the event successfully.
Overall, this episode offers a mix of inspiration and practical insight showing how small steps can lead to big achievements, and how running can be a powerful way to support important causes.
If you'd like to join Kat and be part of the Cross Bay Half Marathon you can do that 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
charity race director insights
Cross Bay Half Marathon UK
tidal running race challenges
community fundraising strategies
running and mental wellbeing
motivation for new runners
social media fundraising tips

In this special episode of the Sapphire Running Zone Podcast, host Tim is joined by Clark Reynolds, also known as Mr. Dot, and his guide runner Alastair Ratcliffe, following Clark’s historic achievement at the Brighton Marathon.
Clark became the first blind person to complete a marathon using smart glasses linked to the Be My Eyes app, allowing sighted volunteers from around the world to guide him in real time. What began as a tech experiment evolved into something far more meaningful, an experience built on human connection, trust, and shared purpose.
The episode explores how the technology worked in both training and on race day, with Clark successfully guided for 98% of the 26.2 miles through live audio support. Along the way, he faced physical challenges, including breathing difficulties caused by his equipment, but pushed through with determination and support from Alastair.
Beyond the run itself, the conversation highlights the emotional impact of the journey, the role of volunteers, and the powerful sense of community created throughout. Clark also reflects on the global media attention the achievement received and the awareness it brought to his charity work with Fight for Sight.
The episode closes with reflections on what’s next, while Clark jokes about retiring from marathons, he hints that future challenges could be on the horizon, especially as technology continues to evolve.
A story of innovation, resilience, and connection, this is far more than just a marathon recap.
If you'd like to join Clarke and run an event for Fight For Sight and fundraise for their vital work, you can find out more here
You find out more about the Richard Whitehead Foundation 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
Brighton Marathon
blind marathon runner
smart glasses running
Be My Eyes app
Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses
accessible running technology
assistive technology in sport
visually impaired runner
guide runner marathon
adaptive sports innovation
inclusive endurance sport
marathon storytelling podcast
Sapphire Running Zone podcast
running and human connection
disability and sport innovation
real-time navigation glasses
charity running Fight for Sight
inspirational marathon story
marathon training accessibility
UK marathon stories

In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, Tim Rogers sits down with experienced guide runner Alistair to explore a groundbreaking marathon challenge that blends human support with cutting-edge technology.
The conversation centres around an upcoming Brighton Marathon attempt by Clark Reynolds (aka Mr. Dot), a blind runner who will be guided primarily through smart glasses connected to the Be My Eyes app. Unlike traditional guide running, Clark won’t be tethered to Alistair, instead, remote volunteers will provide real-time directions, while Alistair runs alongside as a backup for safety and support.
Alistair shares his journey into guide running, from casual races to ultra-distance events, and explains what the role truly involves—constant awareness, communication, pacing, and emotional encouragement. He highlights how simple guidance can be, often just conversational with occasional directional cues, but also how crucial it becomes when runners face physical and mental challenges during a race.
The episode also dives into the practical side of marathon running, including pacing strategies, nutrition, and the importance of training consistently. Alistair emphasises that many runners fail by starting too fast and under-fuelling, while enjoyment and steady pacing lead to stronger finishes.
Beyond the race itself, the discussion showcases the impact of organisations like the Richard Whitehead Foundation and Fight for Sight, which help make endurance events more accessible to people with disabilities. The integration of technology, combined with human support, is opening up new possibilities in sport.
Ultimately, this episode is a powerful look at how innovation, community, and determination are reshaping what it means to run a marathon, proving that with the right support, barriers can be broken and finish lines reached.
You find out more about the Richard Whitehead Foundation here
If you'd like to join Clarke and run an event for Fight For Sight and fundraise for their vital work, 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:
guide runner
blind runner marathon
accessible running
marathon guide running
inclusive sport
running with disabilities
smart glasses running
Be My Eyes app
assistive technology in sport
running with technology
remote guidance running
wearable tech marathon
 
 
 
 

In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone Podcast, host Tim Rogers speaks with Kara Hopgood from the Southern Hospice Group about charity running, fundraising, and how to support runners through every stage of their journey.
Kara shares her experience as both a beginner runner and challenge events manager, offering practical insights into running your first half marathon, preparing for race day, and staying motivated during training. The conversation explores the importance of charity cheer zones, race day support, and how encouragement can boost performance in events like the London Landmarks Half Marathon, Brighton Half Marathon, and London Marathon.
You’ll also learn effective fundraising tips for runners, including how to use social media, creative fundraising ideas, and why starting your fundraising early can help you hit — and even exceed — your target.
Whether you're training for a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or marathon, or taking part in a charity run, this episode is packed with advice on running motivation, fundraising strategy, and building a strong support system.
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 to run for Southern Hospice Group and get the support that Kara and her team offer then head here for more information. There are three hospices: Chestnut Tree House, Martlets and St Barnabas House.
 
Keywords: charity running, half marathon training, marathon tips, fundraising ideas, running motivation, London Marathon, Brighton Half Marathon, race day tips, beginner runners, charity fundraising, running community

In this episode, Tim sits down with Ian, a self-confessed “terrible runner” who has transformed his relationship with running into something far more meaningful than pace or performance. Living with exercise-induced asthma, Ian shares how running became a way to build friendships, improve his health, and connect with his local community.
The conversation explores the power of social running, why you don’t need to race to enjoy the sport, and how redefining success can unlock a more sustainable and enjoyable running journey.
Ian also shares the story behind 50 by 50 CIC and the creation of One More Lap, a unique, team-based ultra running event designed for everyone. With short laps, a festival atmosphere, and a focus on accessibility, the event has already raised tens of thousands of pounds for small charities, without costing participants a penny to enter.
Whether you’re a beginner runner, someone struggling with motivation, or interested in creative ways to fundraise, this episode shows that running isn’t about how far or how fast you go; it’s about who you run with and the impact you can make along the way.
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.
To find out more about One more Lap head here