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

As part of a ‘3 Halfs in a Month’ challenge supporting Young Lives vs Cancer, Frank White tackled the London Landmarks Half Marathon, along with the Bideford Half and Bath Half. In this episode, Frank shares a detailed race recap, offering insights into his strategy, how he improved his times across all three events, and the motivation behind his charity running challenge. Perfect for runners seeking inspiration, half marathon tips, and ideas for fundraising through running.

For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 channels, one on training & fundraising support, another 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

• Frank completed three half marathons in one month for charity.
• The atmosphere at the London Landmarks Half Marathon was unmatched.
• Pacing strategies are crucial for long-distance races.
• Proper fuelling can significantly impact race performance.
• Iconic landmarks provide motivation during the race.
• Achieving a personal best is a culmination of training and strategy.
• Fundraising success can exceed initial targets with effort.
• Social media plays a key role in fundraising campaigns.
• Future challenges include more half marathons and a potential triathlon.
• Running can lead to a slippery slope of increasing distances.

• Running for a Cause: Frank's Half Marathon Journey
• From Fundraising to Finishing: A Runner's Story

• "I got a PB of 1 hour 54."
• "I couldn't believe it, really am."
• "It's a slippery slope, isn't it?"

Charity Running Inspiration: Izzy Hunter’s 10K Challenge Izzy Hunter, diagnosed with scoliosis, ran her first 10K in 30-degree heat and raised £1,655 for the Scoliosis Support & Research charity. Listen to her inspirational running story and learn how she turned a running challenge into a powerful fundraising achievement.

If you'd like to follow in Izzy's footsteps and run your next event for Scoliosis Support & Research, email Will fundraising@ssr.org.uk. Thank you.

To find out more about scoliosis head to https://ssr.org.uk

For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 channels, one on training & fundraising support, another 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

running, fundraising, scoliosis, 10K, personal journey, health, motivation, social media, race day, community support

Summary

In this episode, Tim Rogers interviews Izzy Hunter, who shares her inspiring journey of starting to run during lockdown and her motivation to complete a 10K race. Izzy discusses her training experiences, the challenges she faced, including her battle with scoliosis and the impact of her spinal surgery. She also highlights her fundraising efforts for Scoliosis Support and Research, the role of social media in her journey, and the emotional experience of race day. Izzy reflects on her achievements and looks forward to future running goals, including a half marathon.

Takeaways

Izzy started running during lockdown to get fit. She completed her first 5K on a treadmill. The 10K was significant as it marked 10 years since her spinal surgery. Izzy faced challenges with the heat during the race. She felt motivated to run again after her first race experience. Choosing the right running shoes was crucial for her training. Her surgery allowed her to engage in physical activities without issues. Izzy raised £1,655 for Scoliosis Support and Research. The experience of crossing the finish line was overwhelming. Completing a New Year's resolution was a personal achievement for Izzy.

Titles

Running Against the Odds: Izzy's Journey From Lockdown to 10K: Izzy's Story

Sound bites

"I started running during lockdown." "I did my first 5K on a treadmill." "It was overwhelming in a really good way."

Chapters

00:00 Izzy's Running Journey Begins 03:09 Training Solo and Overcoming Challenges 06:10 Choosing the Right Gear for Running 09:41 Scoliosis and the Impact of Surgery 12:16 Fundraising for a Cause 16:21 The Role of Social Media in Fundraising 18:02 Harnessing Social Media for Fundraising 20:37 Race Weekend Preparations 22:01 The Race Experience: Heat and Support 24:34 Crossing the Finish Line: Emotions and Achievements 26:39 Looking Ahead: Future Running Goals

Ultra Marathon Inspiration: Mark’s West Highland Way Challenge Ten years after losing his son, Mark completed the 150km West Highland Way ultra marathon, raising over £9,000 for charity. Listen to his inspirational running story and discover how he conquered this gruelling endurance challenge from start to finish.

If you'd like to support Mark here's his fundraising page

This is the charity that he is supporting sands.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

Keywords

running, fundraising, West Highland Way Race, marathon, endurance, charity, community support, recovery, training, personal journey

Summary

In this episode, Tim Rogers interviews Mark Doris, who shares his inspiring journey of running and fundraising for the charity Sands in memory of his stillborn son. Mark recounts his experience in the challenging West Highland Way Race, discussing the physical and mental hurdles he faced, including extreme heat and fatigue. He reflects on the importance of community support in his fundraising efforts, which raised over £9,000, and shares his plans for future races, including the London Marathon. Mark emphasises the significance of raising awareness for baby loss and the impact of his journey on others.

Takeaways

Mark has been running seriously for 10 years to fundraise for Sands. The West Highland Way Race had a high dropout rate due to heat and fatigue. Mark lost over 14 litres of fluid during the race. He faced challenges with appetite and fuelling in the heat. Community support played a crucial role in his fundraising success. Mark raised over £9,000 for Sands, totalling nearly £27,000 over 10 years. He plans to organise a local ribbon run for Baby Loss Awareness Week. Mark's recovery was surprisingly quick after the race. He aims to complete the London Marathon in under 3 hours 30 minutes. Mark emphasises the importance of raising awareness for baby loss.

Titles

Running for a Cause: Mark's Inspiring Journey The Trials of the West Highland Way Race

Sound bites

"I was literally sleeping on my feet." "I raised over £9,000 this time." "The shy children don't get sweets."

Chapters

00:00 Mark's Journey into Running and Fundraising 02:19 The Challenge of the West Highland Way Race 08:33 Navigating the Race: Strategies and Struggles 10:45 Crossing the Finish Line: A Hard-Earned Victory 12:03 Fundraising Success and Community Support 17:14 Recovery and Future Aspirations 21:44 Planning for the London Marathon and Beyond

Mary Keane’s London Marathon 2026 Journey for BackCare Charity After Covid and injuries delayed her plans, Mary Keane is back, training for the 2026 London Marathon and fundraising for BackCare Charity. Follow her inspirational running journey, get training insights, and see how she’s preparing for race day.

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 3 channels, one on training and fundraising, 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

• 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"

Running, Fitness & Wellbeing: Chris’s Inspirational Story Chris overcame cancer and life’s challenges to get back in the best shape of his life. A former elite marathon runner, he shares how running, fitness, and fundraising helped him manage stress, prioritize wellbeing, and reclaim his passion for life. An emotional and motivational listen.

For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 channels, one on training and fundraising, 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

• Running can be a powerful tool for stress relief.
• Chris's early running journey began in school.
• Injuries can be mismanaged, leading to long-term issues.
• A cancer diagnosis can serve as a wake-up call.
• Setting meaningful goals can drive personal change.
• Fundraising can be a motivating factor for challenges.
• Physical activity is essential for mental wellness.
• Self-care is crucial for overall health.
• Rehabilitation is key to recovery from injuries.
• Finding balance in life is important for well-being.

• Running Through Stress: Chris's Journey
• From Cancer Diagnosis to Fundraising Triumph

• "Running can help alleviate stress."
• "I was diagnosed with prostate cancer."
• "I decided to do a three-day challenge."

Chef Joel Mays III: From Beginner to Marathoner & BackCare Charity Runner Joel Mays III started running in June 2022 and has already completed three marathons. He shares his running journey, training tips in the heat of Dallas, and preparation for 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 3 channels, one on training and fundraising, 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.

• 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."