Mary Keane from Edinburgh first signed up to run the London Marathon for the BackCare charity in 2019. First Covid and then a number of injuries have prevented her from doing so. Now she is back and raring to go in the 2026 event. Follow her progress as she trains and fundraises for this very deserving charity. More episodes to come soon.

You can support Mary by making a donation on her fundraising page here

If you'd like to follow in Mary footsteps and run your next event for Backcare, email Denice denice.loganrose@backcare.org.uk. She'd love to hear from you.

To find out more about Backcare head to https://backcare.org.uk

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

PODCAST NOTES

• Mary has been rolling over her charity place for the London Marathon for several years due to injuries.
• She chose Back Care UK as her charity because of her personal experiences with back pain.
• Mary is currently training to run consistently 5k and is signed up for the Great North Run.
• The importance of gradually increasing mileage in training to avoid injuries is emphasized.
• Edinburgh offers a variety of terrains for training, which helps keep running fresh and engaging.
• Mary has participated in international races, which provide motivation and a change of scenery.
• Fundraising can be enhanced through community events like pub quizzes and raffles.
• Early planning for fundraising is crucial to avoid competition with other events later in the year.
• Personal connections to the cause can significantly boost fundraising efforts.
• Mary is optimistic about regaining her enjoyment of running and achieving her marathon goal.

• "It's nice to mix it up"
• "It's about giving back"
• "You will get that runner's high again"

Tapantosh Chakrabarty started running marathons in 2000 at the age of 50. 25 years later and he's still at it. With more than 30 of the Majors under his belt, the seven continents and many of the leading destination marathons ticked off, there is literally no stopping him. Listen to his marathon stories and his words of wisdom, as he prepares for his next events, including the 2026 London Marathon for the UK charity Backcare.

If you'd like to follow in Tapantosh's footsteps and run your next event for Backcare, email Denice denice.loganrose@backcare.org.uk. She'd love to hear from you.

To find out more about Backcare head to https://backcare.org.uk

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

PODCAST NOTES

• Tapantosh started running at the age of 50.
• He has completed marathons on all seven continents.
• Running significantly improved his mental health and productivity.
• He developed the STAR training method tailored to his health needs.
• Unique marathon experiences include Antarctica and the Big Five.
• He has run 30 World Marathon Majors, including Boston and New York.
• Running has made his knees stronger, contrary to common beliefs.
• He emphasises the importance of listening to one's body while training.
• Tapantosh chose to support the Backcare charity due to personal experiences.
• He balances training between races to maintain fitness and prevent injury.

• From Bangladesh to Calgary: A Runner's Journey
• The First Marathon: Overcoming Challenges

• "I was looking for a challenge."
• "I got into running in 2000 when I was 50."
• "I ran 30 of the World Marathon majors."
• "Running is good for your health."
• "Running made my knees stronger."

Chef Joel Mays III has been bitten by the running bug. He only started running in June 2022 and has already completed 3 marathons with Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. coming up next in October. On this podcast he shares his running journey with us, including what it's like to train in the heat and humidity of Dallas, Texas, as he heads to the London Marathon 2026, where he'll run for the Backcare charity.

You can support him by making a donation on his fundraising page here

If you'd like to follow in Chef Joel's footsteps and run your next event for Backcare, email Denice denice.loganrose@backcare.org.uk. She'd love to hear from you.

To find out more about Backcare head to https://backcare.org.uk

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

• Joel started running in June 2022 and quickly progressed to marathons.
• The community aspect of running is vital for motivation and support.
• Training involves detailed plans and adaptations to local climate conditions.
• Nutrition plays a crucial role in a runner's performance and recovery.
• Joel has completed 3 of the World Marathon Majors, New York, Berlin and Chicago.
• The Boston Marathon is a personal goal for Joel, seen as a 'unicorn'.
• Fundraising for charity races requires early planning and community support.
• Joel's experiences in different cities enhance his love for running.
• He emphasises the mental discipline required for marathon training.
• Running is a passion that brings joy and fulfilment.

• From Novice to Marathoner: Joel's Journey
• The Heart of Running: Community and Support

• "The people make the race."
• "I want to make this my home."
• "I want to run for fun."