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

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

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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

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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:

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

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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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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:

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.