In this episode of the UKRunChat podcast, we’re joined by Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson, the authors of Ultra Women, a powerful book that shines a light on the untold stories of women in endurance sport..

We explore the inspiration behind the book, the process of gathering and curating such raw and personal narratives, and what these stories reveal about identity, resilience, and representation for women.

From elite athletes to everyday heroes, Ultra Women isn’t just about running, it’s about freedom, resilience, and mental strength. Lily and Emma reflect on what they learned through writing these untold stories, how the sport is changing, and what still needs to happen to create truly inclusive spaces in ultrarunning.

Find the Ultra Women book here [https://www.canburypress.com/products/presale-ultra-women-by-lily-canter-and-emma-wilkinson-isbn-9781914487101?srsltid=AfmBOooJPNd6zZ79au_BUlsxciOit1Sjz5-mzGl2r-Qi_owFnWthJhG8]:

Follow Lily [https://www.instagram.com/lilycanter/] on Instagram

Follow Emma [https://www.instagram.com/emmawjourno/] on Instagram





Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson | Ultra Women

This week on the UKRunChat Podcast, we speak with adventurer & mental health advocate Alex Staniforth [https://www.instagram.com/alexstaniforth_/] about his most ambitious challenge yet – climbing all 446 mountains in England & Wales in just 50 days. 🏔️

But this episode is more than a challenge breakdown – it's about why Alex does what he does, how he overcame personal struggles, and how he's turning endurance into impact through his charity, Mind Over Mountains.

Alex is a survivor of two Mount Everest disasters which have given Alex a unique perspective on success and failure, and a new purpose to inspire others and leave something bigger behind.

Website: www.alexstaniforth.com/446challenge [http://www.alexstaniforth.com/446challenge]
Donate: www.justgiving.com/page/446challenge [http://www.justgiving.com/page/446challenge] 

Alex Staniforth

In this episode of the UKRunChat podcast, we’re joined by trail running photographer David Miller, whose emotive and powerful imagery has captured the hearts of the running community worldwide.

David talks us through his journey from trail runner to award-winning photographer, revealing how lockdown sparked a creative path that led him to shoot some of the world’s most iconic endurance events. We delve into the stories behind his most recognised images—like his award-winning photo of Mathieu Blanchard at UTMB, and the now-legendary shot of Jasmin Paris at the Barkley Marathons.

David shares how he finds meaning in the raw, unfiltered moments of trail running, what it takes to shoot in unpredictable, extreme environments, and how he approaches storytelling through a lens. We also discuss the making of his first photo book, Do Not Block Gate, and what it’s taught him about the emotional power of sport photography.

Whether you’re a runner, a creative, or someone who loves the human stories behind endurance, this conversation offers a unique look at the intersection of art and movement.

You can follow David on Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/davidmiller.photography/]

David Miller 

In this episode, we chat with the amazing Jeric Yuan – known to many as @coderunnerguy [https://www.instagram.com/coderunnerguy/] on Instagram!

From his first half marathon on just two weeks' notice, to creating brilliant GPS art across London, Jeric shares: 

His journey into running 

How he plans his jaw-dropping GPS designs 

His mission to complete the World Marathon Majors 

The story behind drawing T-Rexes and chickens at Victoria Park 

Why memories mean more than medals

Plus, we challenge YOU to create your own GPS art! 

Jeric Yuan

Bruce is running a 4 Marathons and an Ultra Challenge this year (with his 4 marathons in the space of 30 days). He's already completed Brighton and Paris Marathons, and next up for him  is Manchester, then Milton Keynes.

Bruce chats openly about starting running during lockdown to help him lose weight, and since then he's devised a number of different challenges, all for charity.

Follow Bruce [https://x.com/bhampton271828] on X



Bruce Hampton

In this episode, we’re joined by British elite distance runner Jacob Allen, who’s lining up in the Elite Field at the 2025 London Marathon. With standout personal bests of 13:47 for 5K, 28:33 for 10K, and 62:43 for the half marathon, Jacob shares what it takes to compete at the highest level—all while balancing a full-time job as a PE teacher.

We dive into his journey into the sport, training philosophies, and the mindset required to perform on the big stage. Jacob also opens up about the challenges of juggling work with elite-level running, his race prep for London, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

A must-listen for anyone chasing a PB, or simply looking for inspiration from someone who truly lives and breathes the sport.

You can follow Jacob on Instagram here [https://www.instagram.com/jacoballen_pe/]

Photo Credit: Jerry Sun. 

Jacob Allen

In this episode Michelle is joined by Director of Public Health for Worcestershire, Lisa McNally and Steve Cram to talk about the Wythall & Hollywood Fun Run which takes place on Sunday 25th June. 

Michelle, Lisa and Steve chat about:

- The importance of community led events like the Wythall and Hollywood Fun Run for improving public health.

- Who accesses these events.

- The social and mental health benefits of encouraging local running communities.

- Steve Cram's advice for training for your first 10k, improving your time, and injury prevention.

- Don't miss Steve's "best bit of advice" for runners (33 minutes in).

You can find more information about the event on https://wythallhollywoodfunrun.org.uk



Lisa McNally | Steve Cram 

In this episode Michelle and Andy do a deep dive into hydration for endurance running and chatted about:

- common mistakes runners make with their hydration

- hyponatremia (or the dangers of over-hydrating)

- recognising the signs of dehydration

- do you need a race hydration strategy?

- are you a salty sweater?

- electrolytes

- pre- and post-race hydration

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/precisionfandh/

Info on hyponatremia: https://www.precisionhydration.com/performance-advice/hydration/what-is-hyponatremia-and-how-can-you-avoid-it/

How to measure your sweat rate: https://www.precisionhydration.com/performance-advice/hydration/how-to-measure-your-sweat-rate/

Andy Blow | Precision Fuel and Hydration

Renee is a sports dietician specialising in REDs, the female athlete, hormonal health, and athlete performance. Her latest book, Fuel for Thought, is a practical guide to how and what to eat for endurance athletes. In this episode, we discuss behaviours around food, and Renee gives us some really practical advice around fuelling, recovery, carb-loading and supplementation.

https://reneemcgregor.com/

https://www.instagram.com/r_mcgregor/

Renee McGregor

Andrew Hughes is two months into a year-long challenge called the Five-a-Day challenge. Every single day of 2025, he’s running at least 5k, but there’s a twist—he’s doing it with a different person every day, sharing their running story, and documenting it all. His goal? To connect with 365 different runners and compile their experiences into an eBook that will inspire others to get out and move.

Andrew's already had some incredible conversations along the way. But with 10 months ahead, how is he holding up? What have been the most memorable encounters so far? And how can you get involved?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567400655476

Strava club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/1429549

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