In this episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, Michelle is joined by Neil, who is preparing for one of the toughest footraces in the world, the Marathon des Sables, a 250km multi-day ultra across the Sahara Desert.

Neil shares how he first got into running (from rugby pitches in Bradford to his first London Marathon), what keeps bringing him back to the Shrewsbury Half Marathon, sponsored by Pareto, and how he’s training for the desert, from 4am starts and 60-mile training weeks, to sand dunes, heat chambers, and learning how to fuel on the run.

We also talk about the community side of running, fundraising for charity, and why he believes running is about self-belief and simply “just doing it.”



From Shrewsbury to the Sahara: Neil’s Road to the Marathon des Sables

In this inspiring episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, Michelle chats with Gemma Wright, Senior Account Manager at Pareto FM and headline sponsor of the Shrewsbury Half & Metric Half Marathon.

Gemma shares her journey of rediscovering running after a serious hip injury, losing nearly eight stone, and finding strength through running after the loss of her dad. Over the past 18 months, Gemma has transformed her life, tackling parkruns, 10Ks, half marathons, and even her first ultramarathon.

She opens up about:

 * How she went from struggling to walk 10 minutes to completing a half marathon PB at age 43.
 * The mental and physical challenges of running the Race to the King ultra in 36°C heat.
 * The role running played in helping her navigate grief and rebuild her confidence.
 * Training (and racing) alongside her husband Darren, who’s been her biggest supporter.
 * Her goals for the upcoming Shrewsbury Half Marathon, and why it means so much to her to run it as part of her hometown community.

Whether you’re just starting out, coming back from injury, or chasing big goals, Gemma’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to change your life through running.

Enjoy 

Gemma Wright | Pareto FM

In this episode we’re joined by mountain athlete, skyrunner, and GB SkiMo team member Victoria Thompson 

Victoria recently made headlines by winning the Montane Summer Spine Sprint South – finishing 1st woman, 2nd overall, and smashing the course record by over 40 minutes!

In this episode, we dive into:
🧭 Her nav style – map and compass always at hand
💪 How cross-training and speed work transformed her running
🏔️ Fastpacking adventures on the TMB & Tour de Monte Rosa
📚 Running the Wainwright guidebook routes
⛷️ Training with the GB SkiMo team

Victoria’s blend of speed, grit, and mountain spirit is inspiring – don’t miss this one.

Follow Victoria on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/victoriathompson___/]

Mountain athlete, Skyrunner, and GB SkiMo team member Victoria Thompson

In this episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, Michelle catches up with coach and triathlete Scott Hill, who returns to share his insights on training and racing while leading a busy life. Scott talks about the importance of self-reflection and mindset, how to structure consistent training without falling into volume swings, and how to use training to refine your race-day fuelling strategy.

We also hear about Scott’s recent racing experiences, his role pacing the 90-minute group at the Shrewsbury Half Marathon, and his top tips for athletes who want to balance family, work, and training without losing progress.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

 * How self-reflection and flexibility can help busy athletes stay consistent
 * Why discipline matters more than motivation
 * Strategies for building training plans without big volume spikes
 * Practical ways to test and refine your fuelling for race day
 * Scott’s advice for keeping training fun, family-friendly, and sustainable

Follow Scott:

 * Instagram: @ironhill83 [https://instagram.com/ironhill83]
 * Coaching: TriWolf Coach [https://www.instagram.com/triwolfcoach/]

Balancing Life, Training, and Race-Day Nutrition with Coach & Triathlete Scott Hill

In this episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, Michelle is joined by Dr Juliette McGrattan, co-founder of 261 Fearless Club UK, to talk about the upcoming 261 Fearless UK Women’s Running Conference taking place in Bicester on 13th September 2025.

Themed Take the Baton, the conference celebrates the past, present, and future of women’s running. Keynote speakers include Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon, and GB ultra-runner Sophie Power, founder of She Races.

Juliette shares the story behind 261 Fearless, the ethos of its UK running groups, and what attendees can expect from this one-of-a-kind event. From empowering panels with women’s running group founders to practical sessions and networking opportunities, this conference promises goosebumps, laughter, and inspiration for every runner.

Take the Baton: Catherine Switzer, 261 Fearless & the Future of Women’s Running | Dr Juliette McGrattan

Ever raced against time itself? ⏳

In this episode, we chat to John Yelland, founder of Mad Hatter Sports Events and race director of the Hourglass race, a unique event where the clock gets faster every lap. Strategy, grit, and community come together in this event format set in the heart of Cornwall.

“It’s not about speed, it’s you against the clock.” — John Yelland

Enjoy! 

#UKRunChat

John Yelland, Race Director of Hourglass | Mad Hatter Sports Events

In this episode, Eilish McColgan speaks to Michelle from her training base in France about her year so far, recent challenges, and future ambitions. Eilish reflects on the unusual build-up to her London Marathon debut, recovery afterwards, and her current focus on training for the Great North Run in September.

Eilish discusses the impact of weather conditions on her London performance, how she adjusted training and recovery afterward, and her excitement about returning to racing. She shares insights into her day-to-day life as a professional runner, including her training structure, nutrition habits, and the importance of recovery and mental well-being.

Eilish also opens up about her relationship with her mum Liz McColgan, and the invaluable support she receives from her fiancé, Michael.

Image credit: @michealrimmer8  [https://www.instagram.com/michaelrimmer8/]

Follow Eilish [https://www.instagram.com/eilishmccolgan/]

Eilish McColgan

In this episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, Michelle speaks with Jenny Bushell, a Cumbria-based trail and fell runner, coach, and author of the new Lake District Trail and Fell Running Guide. Jenny shares her journey from Couch to 5K to ultra-running and fell racing in her home county. We dive into the inspiration and process behind her new book, which features 40 carefully curated routes across the Lake District, from beginner-friendly loops to full-day mountain adventures.

Jenny offers insights on the differences between trail and fell running, building confidence on descents, how to approach hill climbs, and the essential safety kit to carry in the fells. She also explains how to use poles efficiently and why effort-based pacing matters. Plus, we explore her upcoming challenges, including the Dragon’s Back Race and the Seven Valleys.

Highlights:

 * Jenny’s transition from road races to mountain adventures
 * How the guidebook came together and the stories behind the routes
 * The difference between trail and fell running
 * Tips for tackling steep climbs and technical descents
 * Kit advice and safety essentials for the Lake District
 * Inclusive challenge routes from the Espresso Round to the Bob Graham

Links:

 * 🗺️ The Lake District Trail and Fell Running Guide – Available via Inspired by Lakeland [https://www.inspiredbylakeland.co.uk/collections/books/products/the-lake-district-trail-and-fell-running-guide] and local bookshops
 * 🌄 Jenny’s coaching & adventures: jennybushelladventures.co.uk [http://jennybushelladventures.co.uk/]
 * 📸 Follow Jenny: @jennybushelladventures [https://instagram.com/jennybushelladventures]

Exploring the Lake District Fells with Jenny Bushell

In this deeply personal follow-up episode, Michelle welcomes back ultra-distance runner Steve Till, who opens up about his recent experience with lymphoma. Steve shares how running—especially parkrun, helped him maintain a sense of identity, purpose, and positivity during chemotherapy and beyond. From walking 5Ks during treatment to reflecting on the emotional and psychological impact of illness, Steve’s story is a powerful reminder that running can be more than sport.

🔗 Links Mentioned:

 * Steve's parkrun blog post: https://blog.parkrun.com/uk/2025/05/13/parkrun-has-been-crucial-to-my-treatment [https://blog.parkrun.com/uk/2025/05/13/parkrun-has-been-crucial-to-my-treatment/]

Steve and Michelle chat about:

 * Diagnosis and the decision to keep moving
 * Parkrun as emotional grounding during chemotherapy
 * The mental challenge of slowing down
 * Why staying active—even just a little—can make a huge difference
 * Lessons from 50 years of running
 * The value of community and meaningful conversations during illness

Bio:

Steve Till has represented GB in 24-hour races, run over 100 marathons, and completed more than 600 parkruns. He brings the same focus and discipline from his ultra-running to his recovery, and shares his experience to help others.

Running Through Cancer: Steve Till on Positivity, Parkrun, and Recovery

In this episode of the UKRunChat podcast, Michelle speaks to Raja Aslam, a foster carer from Blackburn and passionate runner, about his bold challenge to run from Manchester to The Hague, covering a half marathon every day to raise money for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme for foster children. 

Raja shares his story of getting into running just before COVID, running marathons during Ramadan, the impact of fostering on his family, and how he hopes to inspire others through his journey.

Follow Raja on Instagram: Raja Aslam’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rajaaslamruns]

Fundraising link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/rajaaslam-manchestertothehague [https://www.instagram.com/rajaaslamruns]

From Manchester to The Hague: Running for foster children with Raja Aslam

Listen for Interviews from all involved in the world of running.

The UKRunChat podcast.