Beyond the Postcode: Chris Hobson’s Record-Breaking Antarctica Ice Marathon

Hosts Caroline Verdon from Under The Mast and Erin Towey from HD8 Life introduce Beyond the Postcode, a podcast about people who live or work in HD8, and interview Clayton West resident Chris Hobson, a Guinness World Record holder as the oldest person to complete the Antarctica Ice Marathon.

Chris describes reinventing herself after retiring in 2014, joining a running club, gaining a London Marathon place, and adopting a run-walk strategy that helped her avoid injuries and keep running. After learning about the 100 Marathon Club, she set goals that led to around 126–127 marathons, including “marathon tourism” across continents, with notable experiences like the humid Singapore marathon and extreme conditions in Antarctica. She recounts multiple canceled Antarctica attempts, last-minute entry logistics, the silent, hazardous environment, and her motivations around staying healthy in older age.

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast

00:35 Meeting Her Husband

02:14 Record Holder Intro

02:27 Retirement to Running

04:18 First London Marathon

06:16 Run Walk Strategy

07:58 Chasing 100 Marathons

09:24 Marathon Tourism Begins

11:14 Heat and Humidity Chaos

14:25 Antarctica Ice Marathon

15:26 Antarctica Trip Cancellations

16:32 Last Minute Race Slot

18:03 Gear Panic And Prep

19:03 Bank Fraud Block Drama

21:12 Running In Antarctica

23:55 Staying Active In Retirement

25:55 Fitness For Older Adults

27:54 Local Tip And Music Picks

29:46 Wrap Up And Next Guest