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 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

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.

Keywords

• Manchester Marathon race report
• Marathon training tips
• Sub 3:10 marathon
• Marathon mindset tips
• Running after 50 improvement
• How to run a sub 3:10 marathon
• Marathon pacing strategy one mile at a time
• Training plan for marathon beginners to advanced
• How to improve marathon time after 50
• Strength training for marathon runners
• Marathon taper strategy tips
• Running club benefits for marathon training
• Marathon fueling strategy gels and hydration
• Manchester Marathon course review