Join Tim Rogers from the Sapphire Running Zone as he chats with Andrea Watt, Stewardship Officer at the Stroke Association and passionate marathon runner from northeast Scotland. From running the London Marathon with a Walkman, paper sponsor forms, and no GPS tracking, to completing the New York City Marathon alongside her daughter Rebecca, Andrea shares stories from nearly three decades of running, fundraising, and community spirit.

In this inspiring episode, Andrea reflects on how marathon culture has changed over the years, the unforgettable atmosphere of New York and London, and why she still loves the challenge of training and race day in her fifties. She also shares practical fundraising advice for charity runners, including how to use your local community, social media, and creative ideas to hit ambitious targets without being afraid to ask for support.

The conversation also explores the emotional side of running; the friendships formed on race day, the shared experience of wearing a charity vest, and why every early-morning training run becomes worth it when you cross the finish line. Andrea talks openly about returning to running after raising her children, chasing new marathons, and learning to focus less on finish times and more on enjoying the experience.

Whether you’re preparing for your first half marathon, fundraising for a cause close to your heart, or dreaming about running one of the big city centre marathons, this episode is full of warmth, humour, nostalgia, and motivation.

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 Andrea and run for the Stroke Association you can find out more here

Keywords

• marathon fundraising tips
• London Marathon fundraising ideas
• charity marathon training
• marathon podcast
• running podcast UK
• New York City Marathon experience
• London Marathon 1997
• Stroke Association fundraising
• half marathon motivation
• marathon training inspiration
• running community stories
• fundraising for charity marathon
• marathon runner interview
• women marathon runners over 50
• marathon training journey
• creative fundraising ideas
• running for charity tips
• UK running podcast
• major marathon experiences
• London vs New York Marathon
• half marathon training motivation
• endurance running stories
• marathon mindset
• fundraising manager interview
• running and community spirit

In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, host Tim Rogers interviews Ivor Stratford about completing the legendary Marathon des Sables, a 270km ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert.

Ivor explains the intense six-month preparation process, which included 100-mile training weeks, gym sessions, treadmill hiking with a weighted pack, and desert heat training in Dubai. He discusses how balancing training alongside work, travel, and family life required huge discipline and mental resilience.

The conversation explores the realities of the race itself:

• Six stages over eight days
• Self-supported racing in extreme desert conditions
• Carrying all food and equipment
• Sleeping in basic communal tents
• Managing severe heat, dehydration, and exhaustion

One of the most dramatic moments came before the race had even started, when Ivor became seriously ill with dehydration and nearly withdrew. After treatment in the medical tent and advice to use beef stock cubes for electrolytes, he recovered enough to continue.

Ivor also shares:

• The mental challenge of the 100km stage
• Hallucinations caused by exhaustion
• The difficulty of eating enough calories
• The camaraderie formed between runners
• The emotional experience of crossing the finish line

Alongside the physical challenge, Ivor used the event to raise money for Dreams Come True and Hospice of St Francis, with fundraising totals already exceeding £11,000.

The episode finishes with Ivor discussing future endurance goals, including the North Downs Way 100 and the Moab 240 ultramarathon in 2027.

If you'd like to support Ivor his fundraising page is 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

• Marathon des Sables
• Marathon des Sables podcast
• Sahara Desert ultramarathon
• ultramarathon training
• endurance running podcast
• multi-stage ultramarathon
• desert ultramarathon
• Marathon des Sables experience
• Marathon des Sables training
• ultrarunning challenges
• endurance athlete interview
• Sahara running race
• self-supported ultramarathon
• ultra marathon nutrition
• ultramarathon hydration
• 100 mile ultra training
• ultramarathon mental toughness
• running in the desert
• ultramarathon gear
• endurance race preparation
• marathon des sables tips
• extreme endurance events
• ultra running motivation
• endurance sports podcast
• Tim Rogers podcast
• Ivor Stratford
• Sapphire Running Zone
• Moab 240
• North Downs Way 100

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 • Recovering from injury setbacks • London Marathon race-day experience • Running for charity • Marathon mindset and motivation • Fundraising tips • Life after marathon finish lines

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

Keywords

• London Marathon 2026
• London Marathon podcast
• first time marathon runner
• London Marathon experience
• marathon training journey
• charity marathon story
• St Raphael’s Hospice marathon
• London Marathon fundraising
• marathon motivation
• beginner marathon tips
• emotional marathon story
• women marathon runners
• marathon recovery tips
• Tower Bridge London Marathon
• London Marathon race day
• how to train for a marathon
• running podcast UK

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

Keywords

• London Marathon story
• inspirational marathon story
• disability running support
• support runner programme
• Richard Whitehead Foundation
• inclusive running events UK
• marathon finish line story
• overcoming chronic illness sports
• mental health and running
• adaptive running support

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:

• The difference between charity-place runners and own-place runners
• Why even small fundraising amounts can make a meaningful impact
• How storytelling and social media help runners raise support
• The emotional motivation behind running for a cause
• The importance of stewardship and community support from charities
• Lessons learned from large-scale fundraising events like Run the Runway

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

Keywords

• charity running
• own place runners
• marathon fundraising
• fundraising for charity runs
• hospice fundraising
• Ayrshire Hospice
• London Marathon charity fundraising
• Great Scottish Run fundraising
• running for charity
• fundraising tips for runners
• charity marathon runners
• hospice charity donations
• community fundraising
• running with purpose
• endurance fundraising
• charity race fundraising
• fundraising ideas for runners

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.

Keywords

• London Marathon story
• first marathon experience
• beginner marathon training
• charity marathon fundraising
• running and fundraising tips
• marathon training journey
• London Marathon experience 2025 / 2026
• first-time marathon runner interview
• marathon mental preparation
• running motivation story

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