Join host Tim Rogers and finisher Dom Littler as they dive into the 2025 Chester Marathon — breaking down race highlights, runner experiences, and performance insights from one of the UK’s most scenic 26.2-mile courses. Whether you ran it, cheered from the sidelines, or are planning your next big race, this episode offers the perfect post-race debrief for every running fan.

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 channels, one on training and fundraising support, this one on runner stories and a third for members only. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.

PODCAST NOTES

• Dom started running to raise money for men's mental health.
• He transitioned from 10K to marathon after a challenge from friends.
• Training for Chester included long runs on a treadmill due to weather.
• Dom's training included speed work with a local running club.
• He achieved a personal best during the Chester Marathon.
• The course was scenic, running through Wales and back to England.
• Crowd support was strong, especially in the countryside.
• Dom experienced cramps during the race but managed to push through.
• He learned the importance of hill training for future races.
• Dom aims for a sub-3:30 marathon in London.

• From 10K to Marathon: Dom's Journey
• Chester Marathon: A Runner's Experience

• "I could run a marathon sub 4."
• "Chester's a really nice route to do."
• "I want to aim for 3:30 in London."

Completing all of the World Marathon Majors is a dream goal for many runners, but qualifying for each one is a major challenge. In this episode, we sit down with Jacob Coan, an accomplished runner from New York, who is aiming to qualify for every one of them.

Jacob shares his training strategies just weeks out from the New York City Marathon, including tips for first-time participants. Having run NYC before, he also offers a course preview and insights on what to expect when racing through the Big Apple.

Whether you’re chasing your first Major or dreaming of completing all seven, this episode is packed with practical advice, motivation, and insider knowledge for marathoners.

Podcast Notes

Keywords

marathon, running, New York Marathon, training, Jacob Coan, marathon majors, running community, race tips, track sessions, marathon experience

• Jacob is originally from Chester, Northern England, and now runs in Brooklyn.
• He is training for the New York Marathon and Queens Marathon.
• Qualifying times for Chicago and Boston marathons are very competitive.
• Training includes tempo runs, track sessions, and long runs.
• The New York Marathon has a unique start process involving a ferry ride.
• Community support is crucial for motivation and training.
• Jacob trains with local running clubs in Brooklyn.
• He is pursuing a coaching certificate for endurance running.
• The atmosphere of the New York Marathon varies across boroughs.
• Preparation for the marathon includes planning for logistics and nutrition.

• Running the World Marathon Majors
• Jacob's Journey to Marathon Success

• "I'm based in Brooklyn in New York."
• "I don't have a coach officially."
• "You run through all five boroughs."

Ben Gregoriou shares his journey to the Great North Run. From his first steps into running to fundraising for the Silver Star Maternity Fund charity, race-day challenges, and future goals, Ben’s story highlights the motivation, community, and emotion behind every mile. Ben wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Prof Christopher Redmond at the Silver Star Unit in Oxford, who passed away in August 2024, so raising money for the charity from this run was especially important.

You can donate to Ben's Great North Run fundraising efforts on his Just Giving page here

If you'd like to follow in Ben's footsteps and run your next event for the Silver Star Maternity Fund, or you're interested in one of the charity's London Marathon entries, email Maggie Margaret.Findlay@ouh.nhs.uk. Find out more about the charity here

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 channels, one on training and fundraising support, this one on runner stories and a third for members only. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.

PODCAST NOTES

Keywords

Great North Run, running, training, charity, fundraising, race day, half marathon, personal journey, fitness, community support

Summary

In this episode of the Runner Stories podcast, Tim Rogers interviews Ben, who recently completed the Great North Run. Ben shares his personal journey into running, the motivations behind his charity choice, and the extensive training he undertook for the half marathon. He discusses the challenges and excitement of race day, including the atmosphere, course layout, and his emotional experience during the final stretch. Additionally, Ben reflects on his fundraising efforts and future running goals, emphasising the importance of community support and personal motivation.

Takeaways

Ben started running for fitness and health reasons. He chose to fundraise for the Silver Star Unit due to personal connections. Training for the Great North Run involved a 19-20 week program. Ben integrated both outdoor and treadmill runs into his training. The Great North 10K served as a warm-up for the half marathon. Race day nerves kicked in the morning of the event. Preparation included organising gear the night before. The first half of the course was his favorite due to the atmosphere. Crowd support was significant but varied throughout the course. Ben raised over £800 for charity, exceeding his initial target.

Titles

Running for a Cause: Ben's Great North Run Journey From Fitness to Fundraising: Ben's Running Story

Sound bites

"I did a 19-20 week training program" "I set a new PB in that" "I was actually really shocked"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ben's Running Journey 02:27 Training for the Great North Run 07:08 Race Day Preparations 11:12 Experiencing the Course: First Half 17:17 Navigating the Second Half of the Race 19:37 The Final Stretch and Emotions 21:13 Fundraising Success and Motivation 25:05 Looking Ahead: Future Running Goals