Can a local runner smash the elusive sub-40-minute 10k barrier under the guidance of a double Olympian? This week, we sit down with Marple Runner Mike Taylor to unpack his journey inside the elite Run North West 40 under 40 project. 

Out of hundreds of regional applicants, Mike was selected for a grueling 9-week training program coached by Olympic legend Andy Butchart, all leading up to a high-stakes showdown at the Wilmslow Summer 10K.

Also in this episode:

Speed 4.0: Mark introduces Neil to a highly questionable tactic to lock in a brutal 4:00/km pacing rhythm,

And Eleanor takes us through the latest race results, personal bests, and standout triumphs from the amazing Marple Runners community.

Mostly unscripted, completely focused on the local running community, and the ultimate companion for your next training session. Pop us in your ear pods and let's go!

Mark & Neil

#WeAreMarpleRunners

Can two running captains keep an entire club in stride?

In this episode, we sit down with Marple Runners’ newly appointed Men’s Captain, Steve Grace, alongside our Women’s Captain, Hannah T. As club ambassadors, they share their vision for welcoming new members, supporting every runner—at any pace or ability—and what they have planned for the year ahead. We also dive into their personal running journeys and what drives them.

Meanwhile, the usual chaos ensues:

• The 2026 Trail Race: Neil gives a behind-the-scenes planning update about bananas.
• Victorian Entertainment? Mark tries to convince Neil to introduce a bizarre new event involving local insects and a microwave.
• Community Round-up: Eleanor delivers the latest race results and standout achievements from across the Marple Runners community.

It’s mostly unscripted, completely focused on our community, and the perfect companion for your next run. Pop us in your earpods.

Mark & Neil

#WeAreMarpleRunners

Whether you're chasing a PB or just trying to survive your first Spring Marathon, this one's for you. We’re diving into the "bizarre, brutal, and beautiful" world of 26.2 miles with one of our club’s most seasoned legends, Kevin Day, a man who has completed an incredible 287 marathon events.

Kevin chats to the team about everything from his earliest events to his most recent training for Manchester - he's unstoppable. So, whether you're looking for inspiration or a warning of what's to come, Kevin's amateur career has it all... including a couple of fancy dress choices.

Plus, Eleanor celebrates your latest race results and achievements from across the Marple Runners community. 

It’s mostly unscripted, definitely about you (not us), so pop us in your ear pods. It's the perfect companion for your next run 

Mark & Neil

#WeAreMarpleRunners

What does it really take to complete the legendary Bob Graham Round? In this episode, we dive into the world of ultra running and endurance training and sit down with ultra runners Simon, Richard, and Lisa to hear the highs, lows, and everything in between from their 66-mile, 26,900ft adventure through the Lake District.

Lisa also shares what it’s like to be mid-training for her first attempt this May—giving a real-time glimpse into the mindset, preparation, and grit needed for one of the UK’s toughest endurance challenges.

Expect stories of brutal climbs, big setbacks, questionable buffet choices, and—yes—black toenails. If you’ve ever wondered whether ultra running is for you, this might just be the nudge (or warning) you need.

Whether you're training for your first ultra marathon, curious about fell running, or looking for trail running tips, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and honest stories from the trail—covering everything from race-day highs to setbacks.

Elsewhere, Neil becomes Mark’s very first “customer” in a bold new running foot-care venture (what could possibly go wrong?), and Eleanor returns with a rundown of your latest racing and running achievements.

It’s all about you—not us—so pop us in your earpods on your next run.

Mark & Neil

We Are Marple Runners

#RunningPodcast, #RunClub, #UKRunners, #RunningCommunity, #runningmotivation

This month, we attempt journalism.

Mark unveils his latest “performance enhancements” ahead of Wilmslow Half (legal, we think), before we pivot to what is definitely a tightly structured and impeccably delivered news bulletin about all things Marple Runners this Spring/Summer.

On tonight’s completely-under-control agenda:

• Equaliser Race 1 (may the odds be ever in your favour)
• Pub 2 parkrun (reduced alcohol hydration is key)
• Coaching sessions (actual development!)
• Spunch – still unclear, still happening
• Anniversary kit drop – yes, you’ll want the t-shirt
• Trail Race updates: volunteers, runners, sponsors, and the all-important goodie bag intel
• The Marathon Challenge
• Cross Country Curry Fest (from spikes to spice)
• Listener Questions**Listener. Singular. Thank you, Mum.
• Committee vacancies… because apparently we cannot run this club forever.

Despite February being approximately 94% rain, Eleanor heroically delivers your latest achievements and performances — proving that while we may be chaotic, you lot are absolutely smashing it.

It’s mostly unscripted (legally that counts as a style), definitely about you and absolutely not just an excuse for us to talk for an hour.

Pop us in your ear pods on your next run. Ideally one lasting about an hour. We don’t edit much.

Mark & Neil

#WeAreMarpleRunners

The grand finale of our Marple Runners Origins series has arrived, as we celebrate 10 years of Marple Runners — a club that definitely started with a sensible training plan and not at all with someone saying, “Go on then, we’ll just see who turns up.”

We’re joined by some genuine Day Ones: Simon, Maria, Karen and Alistair — plus, despite our repeated attempts to lock the doors and pretend we weren’t in, our very own Mark Lynch. Together they rather raucously relive the early days of Marple Runners back in 2016: the first runs, the first faces, when it was less “community running club” and more “this seemed like a good idea at the time.”

Then Eleanor drags us firmly back to the present with your latest running performances and achievements — because apparently you lot don’t sit still for five minutes.

It’s mostly unscripted (alarmingly), it’s about you (we checked, still not about us), and it’s the ideal soundtrack to your next run — especially the bit where you question your life choices. Pop us in your ear pods and let poor decisions carry you forward.

Mark & Neil

#WeAreMarpleRunners

Sound credits:

Podcast Effects & Music by Audio Hero at MuseHub, ⁠⁠ https://www.musehub.com: -

- ReggaeDance CE02_47_1 

- MUSIC-GUITAR_GEN-HDF-17853

"Scratch Hit" - Sound Effect by ⁠https://pixabay.com/users/justincallaghan-11325622/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=240471Justin Callaghan

Harp strum Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/freesound_community-46691455/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=90205

Sheep bleating Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/koiroylers-44305058/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=355994">Koi Roylers

Like the stubborn black toenail of the running-podcast world that just refuses to fall off, we’re back with another fine episode.

This time, it’s party time. We took the mic down to the Marple Runners End of Year Celebration to soak up the atmosphere and catch up with some of the winners. Compared to last year (see Episode 2 for the full carnage), it was a slightly more sober affair—but no less brilliant. A proper celebration of our members’ running achievements and the countless contributions that make Marple Runners such a special community.

Eleanor joins us for a sing-along, a jog through recent race performances, and a rundown of the 2025 Champions—mostly because our live recording didn’t quite go to plan.

...And we discovered a magical secret about one of our members.

So it’s a festive Episode 12. That’s one episode for every day of the school holidays, so if you’re new here, there’s no excuse. Come along for the 12 days of Christmas tour and catch up wherever you get your podcasts—if nothing else, it’s reason enough to hide from the in-laws on Boxing Day.

Unscripted, mostly, but it's about you and certainly not us, so pop us in your ear pods on your next run.

Mark & Neil

#WeAreMarpleRunners

Sound Credits:Podcast Effects & Music by Audio Hero at MuseHub, ⁠⁠ https://www.musehub.com: -

- ReggaeDance CE02_47_1 

- MUSIC-GUITAR_GEN-HDF-17853

- We-Wish-you-a-Merry-Christmas-Jazzy-Version 

- The-Twelve-Days-of-Christmas-Jazzy-Version 

"Scratch Hit" - Sound Effect by ⁠https://pixabay.com/users/justincallaghan-11325622/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=240471⁠">Justin CallaghanPixabay"

To Hell with Vinyl" - Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/freesound_community-46691455/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=6410">freesound_communityPixabay"

Rewind 2" - Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/freesound_community-46691455/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=63931">freesound_communityPixabayFormula one Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/soundreality-31074404/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=248660">

magical-elf-entrance-95637 - Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/freesound_community-46691455/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=95637">

atmospheric-metallic-swipe-3-195745 - Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/floraphonic-38928062/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=196791">

magical-twinkle-242245 - Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/universfield-28281460/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=242245">

pop-402324. -Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/dragon-studio-38165424/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=402324">

sleigh-bells-272151. - Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/missywhimsyart-4358466/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=272151">

079385_turkey-86623. - Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/freesound_community-46691455/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=86623">

Why should women stop running outside when the clocks go back and evenings get darker? In this powerful episode, Marple Runners amplifies the call to "Lift The Curfew," a national campaign from @ThisGirlCanUK tackling safety concerns that force women to change their running behaviours through winter.

Listen as Eleanor takes the reigns, meeting club runners; Hannah, Helen & Lauren, to share their personal stories of fear and resilience, encouraging cultural awareness around this vital issue. Plus, stay for the celebratory round-up of all your latest PBs and race achievements!

Unscripted, mostly, but it's about you and certainly not us, so pop us in your ear pods on your next run.

Mark & Neil

#WeAreMarpleRunners

Note: No sound effects were harmed in the making of this episode.

We've made it to the finish line—for now! This is our Season 1 finale, and we're celebrating with Manchester Area Cross Country League action.

We sent Mark to Match 1 in Stockport to witness the hardy souls who embrace the "mud lust" every winter (and stick around for the cake!). He even snags a brief chat with the MACCL Chair.

Also in this episode:

• Mark debuts his brilliant invention to help Neil avoid the inevitable XC grime.

• Eleanor's back for another sing-along to celebrate your running achievements.

• Neil reveals the finalised 2026 Club Championship race schedule (straight from member feedback!).

It's unscripted, it's about you, and we hope you enjoy it enough to take us on your next run.

Thanks for a great season!

Mark & Neil

#WeAreMarpleRunners

#RunningPodcast, #RunClub, #UKRunners, #RunningCommunity, #runningmotivation #crosscountry

Credits:

45 ReggaeDance CE02_47_1 - available from Podcast Effects & Music by Audio Hero at MuseHub, ⁠⁠ https://www.musehub.com/⁠95 FootstepsDirt 6016_87_7 - available from Podcast Effects & Music by Audio Hero at MuseHub, ⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.musehub.com/⁠⁠⁠"The Lick on electric guitar (A minor) Reggae" by Skimel is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/?ref=

Starting up jet engine Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/derrickmckinnon-36861751/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=286108">Derrick McKinnon

Like a cat with nine lives, we're back with a new episode! This time, we dive into the Marple Runners Equaliser Race—the inclusive, four-race series that's become a club favourite.

We meet two of the series' architects to hear how this new format transformed the old Time Trial, making it accessible and competitive for all paces and abilities.

Then, we take you to the action! Mark was at Race 4 with his mic to capture the energy, chat with volunteers, and bottle some of the on-course magic.

Finally, Eleanor celebrates your recent running achievements (until our battery finally died!).

One race, many paces, infinite drama. Put us in your ears for a fun, unscripted episode that's all about the club!

Thanks. 

Mark & Neil

#WeAreMarpleRunners

POD Credits

45 ReggaeDance CE02_47_1 - available from Podcast Effects & Music by Audio Hero at MuseHub, ⁠⁠ https://www.musehub.com/⁠

95 FootstepsDirt 6016_87_7 - available from Podcast Effects & Music by Audio Hero at MuseHub, ⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.musehub.com/⁠⁠⁠

"The Lick on electric guitar (A minor) Reggae" by Skimel is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/?ref=openverse.

Windup Alarm Clock Bell

Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/freesound_community-46691455/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=64219">freesound_community from https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=64219">Pixabay

Bedside Alarm Clock 

Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/freesound_community-46691455/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=95792">freesound_community from https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=95792">Pixabay

Clock Alarm 

Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/microsammy-22905943/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=8761">Microsammy from https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=8761">Pixabay

Cuckoo Alarm Clock 

Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/freesound_community-46691455/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=29462">freesound_community from https://pixabay.com/sound-effects//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=29462">Pixabay

Big Ben

Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/freesound_community-46691455/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=75417">freesound_community from https://pixabay.com/sound-effects//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=75417">Pixabay

Rooster Crowing 

Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/dragon-studio-38165424/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=364473">DRAGON-STUDIO from https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=364473">Pixabay

Clock wind up

Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/dragon-studio-38165424/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=364473">DRAGON-STUDIO from https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=364473">Pixabay