BITTEN BY THE RUNNING BUG

Surviving the Sahara: Ivor Stratford on Conquering the Marathon des Sables

In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, host Tim Rogers interviews Ivor Stratford about completing the legendary Marathon des Sables, a 270km ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert. Ivor explains the intense six-month preparation process, which included 100-mile training weeks, gym sessions, treadmill hiking with a weighted pack, and desert heat training in Dubai. He discusses how balancing training alongside work, travel, and family life required huge discipline and mental resilience. The conversation explores the realities of the race itself: * Six stages over eight days * Self-supported racing in extreme desert conditions * Carrying all food and equipment * Sleeping in basic communal tents * Managing severe heat, dehydration, and exhaustion One of the most dramatic moments came before the race had even started, when Ivor became seriously ill with dehydration and nearly withdrew. After treatment in the medical tent and advice to use beef stock cubes for electrolytes, he recovered enough to continue. Ivor also shares: * The mental challenge of the 100km stage * Hallucinations caused by exhaustion * The difficulty of eating enough calories * The camaraderie formed between runners * The emotional experience of crossing the finish line Alongside the physical challenge, Ivor used the event to raise money for Dreams Come True and Hospice of St Francis, with fundraising totals already exceeding £11,000. The episode finishes with Ivor discussing future endurance goals, including the North Downs Way 100 and the Moab 240 ultramarathon in 2027. If you'd like to support Ivor his fundraising page is here [https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/9844/marathon-des-sables-2026/] For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts [https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts]. We have three channels, this one, one on event podcasts and one for members only. If you'd to be the focus of one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage. [https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/] Keywords * Marathon des Sables * Marathon des Sables podcast * Sahara Desert ultramarathon * ultramarathon training * endurance running podcast * multi-stage ultramarathon * desert ultramarathon * Marathon des Sables experience * Marathon des Sables training * ultrarunning challenges * endurance athlete interview * Sahara running race * self-supported ultramarathon * ultra marathon nutrition * ultramarathon hydration * 100 mile ultra training * ultramarathon mental toughness * running in the desert * ultramarathon gear * endurance race preparation * marathon des sables tips * extreme endurance events * ultra running motivation * endurance sports podcast * Tim Rogers podcast * Ivor Stratford * Sapphire Running Zone * Moab 240 * North Downs Way 100

Running Through Memories: How Julie Conquered the London Marathon for St Raphael's Hospice

In this inspiring episode of the Sapphire Running Zone Podcast, Tim Rogers sits down with first-time London Marathon runner Julie Tague to hear the incredible story behind her 26.2-mile journey for St. Raphael’s Hospice. From struggling through her first runs at university to completing the iconic London Marathon in 4:18, Julie shares the highs, lows, emotions and unexpected moments that shaped her experience. The conversation covers everything from injury setbacks and winter training to race-day nerves, Tower Bridge euphoria, and the emotional final miles through Westminster. Julie also opens up about running in memory of loved ones, the personal connection she has with London, and how she raised £3,000 for St. Raphael’s Hospice through raffles, bake sales and community support. Whether you’re training for your first marathon, thinking about running for charity, or simply love hearing real stories from everyday runners, this episode is packed with honesty, inspiration and practical insights. Topics covered: • First-time marathon training • Recovering from injury setbacks • London Marathon race-day experience • Running for charity • Marathon mindset and motivation • Fundraising tips • Life after marathon finish lines Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, community, and discovering what you’re truly capable of. For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts [https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts]. We have three channels, this one, one on event podcasts and one for members only. If you'd to be the focus of one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage. [https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/] If you'd like to find out more about running for St Raphael's Hospice head here [https://www.straphaels.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise-for-us/] Keywords * London Marathon 2026 * London Marathon podcast * first time marathon runner * London Marathon experience * marathon training journey * charity marathon story * St Raphael’s Hospice marathon * London Marathon fundraising * marathon motivation * beginner marathon tips * emotional marathon story * women marathon runners * marathon recovery tips * Tower Bridge London Marathon * London Marathon race day * how to train for a marathon * running podcast UK

The Bravest Finish Line: Eleanor’s & Lisa's Extraordinary London Marathon Journey

In this powerful episode of the Sapphire Running Zone Podcast, Tim Rogers speaks to Eleanor Thomas and Lisa Phee about their unforgettable experience at the London Marathon. Living with multiple physical and mental health conditions, Eleanor set out to prove that disability and chronic illness do not have to define what someone can achieve. Supported by Lisa through the Richard Whitehead Foundation support runner programme, the pair spent months preparing together before tackling 26.2 emotional and challenging miles through London. The conversation explores the realities of marathon day, from overwhelming crowds and severe pain flare-ups to moments of doubt, resilience, and incredible support from volunteers and spectators. Eleanor shares how she nearly gave up several times, while Lisa reflects on the responsibility and privilege of helping someone achieve a life-changing goal. Together, they discuss the importance of accessibility in sport, the power of community, and how completing the marathon became about far more than just a finish time. This is a deeply honest and inspiring story about perseverance, friendship, and discovering that courage is sometimes simply taking the next step. For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts [https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts]. We have three channels, this one, one on event podcasts and one for members only. If you'd to be the focus of one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage. [https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/] If you'd like to find out more about the Richard Whitehead Foundation head here Keywords * London Marathon story * inspirational marathon story * disability running support * support runner programme * Richard Whitehead Foundation * inclusive running events UK * marathon finish line story * overcoming chronic illness sports * mental health and running * adaptive running support

Why You Should Run For Charity: With Emma Walker

This episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast features Emma Walker discussing the growing impact of “own place” runners: people who secure their own race entries and choose to fundraise for charity. Emma shares insights from her role at the Ayrshire Hospice, where community fundraising plays a vital role in supporting specialist palliative and end-of-life care services across Ayrshire and Arran. The conversation explores how runners in events like the Great Scottish Run and Edinburgh Marathon are helping charities reduce costs while raising vital awareness and donations. The episode highlights: * The difference between charity-place runners and own-place runners * Why even small fundraising amounts can make a meaningful impact * How storytelling and social media help runners raise support * The emotional motivation behind running for a cause * The importance of stewardship and community support from charities * Lessons learned from large-scale fundraising events like Run the Runway Emma also reflects on her own running journey, the challenges of balancing training with fundraising, and why running for a meaningful cause can provide powerful motivation through difficult moments. The episode is an inspiring look at how ordinary runners can create extraordinary impact for charities and their local communities. For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts [https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts]. We have three channels, this one, one on event podcasts and one for members only. If you'd to be the focus of one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage. [https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/] If you'd like to join Emma's running team at Ayrshire Hospice you can find out more here [https://www.ayrshirehospice.org/event-type/challenges/] Keywords * charity running * own place runners * marathon fundraising * fundraising for charity runs * hospice fundraising * Ayrshire Hospice * London Marathon charity fundraising * Great Scottish Run fundraising * running for charity * fundraising tips for runners * charity marathon runners * hospice charity donations * community fundraising * running with purpose * endurance fundraising * charity race fundraising * fundraising ideas for runners

From Self-Doubt to the Finish Line: Amber’s London Marathon Journey

In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, Tim Rogers is joined by Amber Whitaker, Sports Events Manager at Young Lives vs Cancer, to talk about her journey from beginner runner to London Marathon finisher. Amber shares how she first got into running after losing her nan to cancer, why fundraising became such an important part of her journey, and what it was really like to take on her first marathon at the iconic London Marathon. From training setbacks and marathon nerves to unforgettable moments at Tower Bridge and the finish line at Buckingham Palace, this is an honest and inspiring conversation about resilience, self-belief, and running with purpose. Amber also shares practical fundraising advice for charity runners, including how to tell your story, engage supporters, and balance marathon training with fundraising goals. Whether you’re training for your first race, fundraising for a cause close to your heart, or simply love hearing real marathon stories, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight. If you'd like to join Amber's team and run for Young Lives vs Cancer you can find out more here [https://www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/events-category/runs/] For more podcasts go to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts [https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts]. We have three channels, this one, one on event podcasts and one for members only. If you'd to be the focus of one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage. [https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/] Keywords * London Marathon story * first marathon experience * beginner marathon training * charity marathon fundraising * running and fundraising tips * marathon training journey * London Marathon experience 2025 / 2026 * first-time marathon runner interview * marathon mental preparation * running motivation story