This week on the Parkrunners Podcast, we meet Jan Lenton a true legend of the running world — she's a 70-year-old powerhouse who ran the very first London Marathon in 1981, when only 300 of the 7,200 runners were women. She finished in a remarkable 3:52.

Today, she’s still going strong. A regular at Bromley parkrun and a proud member of Orpington Road Runners, she holds the record in her age category for finishing first at 50 consecutive, different parkruns across the UK.

She’s a mother of three, a grandmother, and a mentor to the next generation — often seen cheering at Junior parkrun with her grandchildren. Her story is one of resilience, joy, and the enduring power of movement.

🎧 Tune in for a heartwarming, history-making episode that proves age is just a number — and every finish line is a new beginning.

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Olympic Gold Medallist Shona McCallin MBE joins host, Catherine Stenson, to talk about life after professional sport — from her incredible journey with Team GB Hockey to her new chapter as U18 England hockey coach, mentor, and 'parkrun primary' ambassador.

Shona shares what fuels her passion for helping young people move more, learn from sport, and build community through parkrun. A conversation full of purpose, positivity, and the power of starting somewhere.

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Thank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn) for updates and more inspiring parkrunners' stories. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling and keep on showing up!

This week on the Parkrunners Podcast, we meet Darren Pead — Sydney-based entrepreneur, aviation enthusiast, and parkrun Australia’s social media and event ambassador. Darren isn’t just a parkrunner — he’s a serial alphabeteer, having completed a total of 378 parkruns at 278 different venues across 13 countries, and now closing in on his 10th full alphabet of parkrun locations. He has also completed an impressive 104 volunteer stints.

For Darren, parkrun isn’t a hobby — it’s a lifestyle. He plans his work, travel, and fitness around Saturday mornings, usually alongside his wife, who shares the journey and the parkrun love. From launching Windsor’s beloved retail spots like Guy Stuff and Lollies’N’Stuff, to acquiring Aviation Collectables International, Darren brings the same passion and precision to business that he does to every finish line.

We explore what drives this global parkrun quest, how parkrun fuels his wellbeing and community connection, and why he believes parkrun is life. Whether you’re chasing your first PB or your 100th venue, Darren’s story will inspire you to lace up, dream big, and maybe even start your own alphabet adventure.

🎧 Tune in for this globe-trotting, episode that celebrates movement, meaning, and the magic of Saturday mornings at every parkrun venue across the world.

Send us a text

Thank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn) for updates and more inspiring parkrunners' stories. Until next time, keep running, keep smiling and keep on showing up!