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Ian Williams: The marathoner born with Spina Bifida
Ian Williams was born with spina bifida myelomeningocele, a severe form of the condition.
At the time, outcomes were very uncertain, with a survival rate of about 70% and only around 15% of those born with the condition going on to walk unaided - let alone run.
Thanks to an operation in the early weeks of his life, and despite a risky school time pursuit of rugby, Ian bucked that trend and over the last 22 years has completed four marathons and two ultramarathons - including the London Marathon twice.
His journey is demonstrated not only by the races he has completed, but by a scar on the base of his spine that tells the story of the challenges he has overcome.
But Ian's story isn't confined to just his own achievements. In 2004, he founded Fetcheveryone, an independent UK running community which has more than 100,000 users today. In a world of Strava and Instagram influencers, it is a reminder that running is ultimately about community.
In this episode, we speak to Ian about the joys of running the 100m at school, taking part in events as varied as the London Marathon and Race to Meriden, and why the authentic nature of Fetcheveryone works...
Join the Fetcheveryone community.
Visit Running Tales on:
Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com
YouTube: https://youtube.com/runningtalespod
Please Like and Subscribe wherever you listen, watch or read Running Tales.
Buy Me A Coffee:
Back Running Tales and help us continue to tell the extraordinary stories of everyday runners: https://buymeacoffee.com/runningtales
Our affiliates:
◾TAKE THE BEST PATH: Path Projects offer some of the best running gear in the business.
I love this kit and it looks really cool even on a 48-year-old, decidedly average runner like me!
If you buy anything from Path Projects, Running Tales will get 10% of whatever you pay to help us continue to produce this Substack and the podcast.
Path Projects Affiliate Link
◾SLOTH & DUCK: More than a shop, Sloth & Duck is a movement celebrating the outdoors, purposeful living, and adventure at every pace.
Designed for trail runners and ultramarathoners, their kit is crafted to connect you to nature with comfort, intention, and a splash of whimsy.
Sloth & Duck Affiliate Link
◾DIFFERENT AND UNIQUE: Kibra empowers women to embrace their unique beauty through high-quality activewear designed to cultivate confidence and a resilient mindset.
Their distinctive performance wear supports every journey, while they also partner with global NGOs to bring about meaningful change.
If you buy anything from Kibra, Running Tales will get 30% of whatever you pay to help us continue to produce this Substack and the podcast.
Kibra Affiliate Link
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By Michelle and Craig LewisIan Williams was born with spina bifida myelomeningocele, a severe form of the condition.
At the time, outcomes were very uncertain, with a survival rate of about 70% and only around 15% of those born with the condition going on to walk unaided - let alone run.
Thanks to an operation in the early weeks of his life, and despite a risky school time pursuit of rugby, Ian bucked that trend and over the last 22 years has completed four marathons and two ultramarathons - including the London Marathon twice.
His journey is demonstrated not only by the races he has completed, but by a scar on the base of his spine that tells the story of the challenges he has overcome.
But Ian's story isn't confined to just his own achievements. In 2004, he founded Fetcheveryone, an independent UK running community which has more than 100,000 users today. In a world of Strava and Instagram influencers, it is a reminder that running is ultimately about community.
In this episode, we speak to Ian about the joys of running the 100m at school, taking part in events as varied as the London Marathon and Race to Meriden, and why the authentic nature of Fetcheveryone works...
Join the Fetcheveryone community.
Visit Running Tales on:
Substack: https://runningtales.substack.com
YouTube: https://youtube.com/runningtalespod
Please Like and Subscribe wherever you listen, watch or read Running Tales.
Buy Me A Coffee:
Back Running Tales and help us continue to tell the extraordinary stories of everyday runners: https://buymeacoffee.com/runningtales
Our affiliates:
◾TAKE THE BEST PATH: Path Projects offer some of the best running gear in the business.
I love this kit and it looks really cool even on a 48-year-old, decidedly average runner like me!
If you buy anything from Path Projects, Running Tales will get 10% of whatever you pay to help us continue to produce this Substack and the podcast.
Path Projects Affiliate Link
◾SLOTH & DUCK: More than a shop, Sloth & Duck is a movement celebrating the outdoors, purposeful living, and adventure at every pace.
Designed for trail runners and ultramarathoners, their kit is crafted to connect you to nature with comfort, intention, and a splash of whimsy.
Sloth & Duck Affiliate Link
◾DIFFERENT AND UNIQUE: Kibra empowers women to embrace their unique beauty through high-quality activewear designed to cultivate confidence and a resilient mindset.
Their distinctive performance wear supports every journey, while they also partner with global NGOs to bring about meaningful change.
If you buy anything from Kibra, Running Tales will get 30% of whatever you pay to help us continue to produce this Substack and the podcast.
Kibra Affiliate Link