We've made it to the finish line—for now! This is our Season 1 finale, and we're celebrating with Manchester Area Cross Country League action.

We sent Mark to Match 1 in Stockport to witness the hardy souls who embrace the "mud lust" every winter (and stick around for the cake!). He even snags a brief chat with the MACCL Chair.

Also in this episode:

• Mark debuts his brilliant invention to help Neil avoid the inevitable XC grime.

• Eleanor's back for another sing-along to celebrate your running achievements.

• Neil reveals the finalised 2026 Club Championship race schedule (straight from member feedback!).

It's unscripted, it's about you, and we hope you enjoy it enough to take us on your next run.

Thanks for a great season!

Mark & Neil

#WeAreMarpleRunners

Credits:

45 ReggaeDance CE02_47_1 - available from Podcast Effects & Music by Audio Hero at MuseHub, ⁠⁠ https://www.musehub.com/⁠95 FootstepsDirt 6016_87_7 - available from Podcast Effects & Music by Audio Hero at MuseHub, ⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.musehub.com/⁠⁠⁠"The Lick on electric guitar (A minor) Reggae" by Skimel is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/?ref=Starting up jet engine Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/derrickmckinnon-36861751/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=286108">Derrick McKinnon

Could this be one of our last episodes? We've reached the precarious Episode 8, and we're tackling the challenge head-on by inviting the man who constantly reminds us of the statistical probability of failing: John Bailey!

John joins us to chat about his 4.5 years as Marple Runners Club Secretary. What secrets did he pick up in the role? What were the best (and worst!) moments? Tune in for a fun, unscripted session as John spills the tea on his time as secretary—and maybe even touches on that amazing collection of club memorabilia... which, as you'll hear, is a bit of a challenge for an audio-only podcast!

It's an episode all about the club, so put us on your next run and enjoy the fun!

Thanks.

Mark & Neil

#WeAreMarpleRunners

Credits

45 ReggaeDance CE02_47_1 - available from Podcast Effects & Music by Audio Hero at MuseHub, ⁠⁠ https://www.musehub.com/⁠

95 FootstepsDirt 6016_87_7 - available from Podcast Effects & Music by Audio Hero at MuseHub, ⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.musehub.com/⁠⁠⁠

"The Lick on electric guitar (A minor) Reggae" by Skimel is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/?ref=openverse.

A major era has ended at Marple Runners! Our dedicated Club Chair of five years has stepped down, and in this episode, we grab him before he starts his new career in gardening.

Join us as we interview Richard about his incredible tenure, from leading the club through the initial challenges of lockdown to nurturing Marple Runners into the vibrant club it is today. Find out what he's done for the club and why he let a pair of clowns roast him on his way out!

Plus, following all the recent success, Eleanor joins us for a marathon of a run celebration—we almost ran out of tape covering all your achievements!

It's a fun, unscripted look at the leader who shaped the club. Take us on your next run!

Thanks.

Mark & Neil

#WeAreMarpleRunners

Credits

45 ReggaeDance CE02_47_1 - available from Podcast Effects & Music by Audio Hero at MuseHub, ⁠ https://www.musehub.com/

95 FootstepsDirt 6016_87_7 - available from Podcast Effects & Music by Audio Hero at MuseHub, ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.musehub.com/⁠⁠

"The Lick on electric guitar (A minor) Reggae" by Skimel is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/?ref=openverse.

Jungle - Clean Guitar - funky & rock style" - Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/shidenbeatsmusic-25676252/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=21690">Shiden Beats MusicPixabay

Circular saw Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/freesound_community-46691455/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=25584">freesound_community from https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=25584">Pixabay

Hammering Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/freesound_community-46691455/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=96677">freesound_community from https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=96677">Pixabay

Hammer Drill Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/audiopapkin-14728698/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=300505">Paweł Spychała from https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=300505">Pixabay

Chainsaw_2Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/lazychillzone-40482846/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=228353">Lazy Chill Zone from https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=228353">Pixabay

It's Episode 5, and we're exploring a running technique that's taken the club by storm: Jeffing!

We invited members of our Jeffing Group—who use US Olympian Jeff Galloway's run-walk method—to explain why it's so popular. Get the inside story from Run Leader Debbie C, with commentary from dedicated Jeffers Cathie & Alistair.

Host Mel C guides the chat as they discuss how Jeffing provides a perfect entry point for new runners and an excellent route back for those recovering from injury. This method is an effective, accessible way to roll!

• Club Celebrations: Eleanor joins us to celebrate your latest running achievements.
• Prize Bragging: Since Andy H is away on tour, Alistair steps in to share his joy (and prizes) from the Club Handicap Race!

It's a lively, unscripted chat that's all about making running work for you.

Thanks.

Mark & Neil

#WeAreMarpleRunners

Credits

45 ReggaeDance CE02_47_1 - available from Podcast Effects & Music by Audio Hero at MuseHub, ⁠ https://www.musehub.com/95 FootstepsDirt 6016_87_7 - available from Podcast Effects & Music by Audio Hero at MuseHub, ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.musehub.com/⁠⁠"The Lick on electric guitar (A minor) Reggae" by Skimel is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/?ref=openverse."Scratch Hit" - Sound Effect by ⁠https://pixabay.com/users/justincallaghan-11325622/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=240471⁠">Justin CallaghanPixabayJungle - Clean Guitar - funky & rock style" - Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/shidenbeatsmusic-25676252/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=21690">Shiden Beats MusicPixabayCrow - https://pixabay.com/users/all-rounder-40160506/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=255173Elephant scream Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/freesound_community-46691455/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=106989">freesound_community from https://pixabay.com/sound-effects//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=106989">Pixabaydoor slam angrilyhttps://pixabay.com/users/freesound_community-46691455/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=86963

We are thrilled to welcome a very special guest this week: Club President Andy Lord!

Join us as the "Elvis of Running" drops in to share his running career journey and, more importantly, the inside story of how he started Marple Runners and steered the club through its formative years as Chairman. Don't miss this essential piece of club history!

Plus, stick around for the usual fun:

• Race Round-up & Runner Celebrations with Eleanor.

• The Social Calendar—Andy H stops by to tell us what's coming up (or maybe just makes some stuff up).

• A Surprise Guest flaps their way into the studio!

  
  

It's a fun, unscripted chat focused entirely on the club. Put us in your ears for your next run!

Thanks.

Mark & Neil

#WeAreMarpleRunners

Please note:

- No animals were harmed in the making of this podcast... just the hosts.

Credits

"The Lick on electric guitar (A minor) Reggae" by Skimel is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/?ref=openverse.

45 ReggaeDance CE02_47_1 - available from Podcast Effects & Music by Audio Hero at MuseHub, ⁠ https://www.musehub.com/95 FootstepsDirt 6016_87_7 - available from Podcast Effects & Music by Audio Hero at MuseHub, ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.musehub.com/⁠⁠

17 - MUSIC-GUITAR_GEN-HDF-17853 - available from Podcast Effects & Music by Audio Hero at MuseHub, ⁠ https://www.musehub.com/"

The Lick on electric guitar (A minor) Reggae" by Skimel is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/?ref=openverse.

"Scratch Hit" - Sound Effect by ⁠https://pixabay.com/users/justincallaghan-11325622/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=240471⁠">Justin CallaghanPixabay

Jungle - Clean Guitar - funky & rock style" - Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/shidenbeatsmusic-25676252/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=21690">Shiden Beats MusicPixabay

Crow - https://pixabay.com/users/all-rounder-40160506/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=255173

An ominous crow - Sound Effect by href="https://pixabay.com/users/all-rounder-40160506/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=255173 Rahul from Pixabay

Deep into the training cycle? You're not alone! In this episode, we tackle all things marathon prep with our expert coaches.

We welcome our Coaching Officer, Simeon F-N, who shares his running journey before joining fellow UKA-qualified coach Andy H to break down the essentials: training plans, must-have kit, and marathon nutrition.

Then, we go straight to the source! Simeon and Andy bravely take questions from five Marple Runners members who are deep in preparation for their Spring marathons:

• First-timers Cath B and Jenny D aiming for sub-5 hours at Manchester.

• PB chasers Susannah W (Leeds) and David H (London).

• Club Ballot Winner Lyndsey U, flying the flag at London.

  
  

It's a wealth of practical advice, designed to power your long runs. Plus, Eleanor delivers a round-up of your latest race results and runner celebrations, and Andy H updates us on the social calendar!

Thanks.

Mark & Neil

#WeAreMarpleRunners

Credits:

45 ReggaeDance CE02_47_1 - available from Podcast Effects & Music by Audio Hero at MuseHub, ⁠ https://www.musehub.com/

"The Lick on electric guitar (A minor) Reggae" by Skimel is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/?ref=openverse.

"Jungle - Clean Guitar - funky & rock style" - Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/shidenbeatsmusic-25676252/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=21690">Shiden Beats MusicPixabay

Mechanical spring, metal, stretch, scrape, expandContributor Name: ZapSplathttps://www.zapsplat.com/music/mechanical-spring-metal-stretch-scrape-expand/

Crash Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/olenchic-16658974/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=154890">Olena from https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=154890">Pixabay

Funny Spring Sound Effect byhttps://pixabay.com/users/alex_jauk-16800354/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=228111

Boing Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/freesound_community-46691455/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=6222

Spring Sound Effect by https://pixabay.com/users/universfield-28281460/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=140378">Universfield