“It’s All Worth It”: Andrea Watt on Marathons, Fundraising, and the Power of The Running Community

How Charity Running Events Are Creating New Ways To Give Back: With Louise Cook

In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, Tim Rogers speaks with Louise Cook, Head of Fundraising at Cobalt Medical Charity, about the charity's successful Reindeer Run and Extreme Colour Run. Louise explains why Cobalt chose to organise its own events, allowing the charity to keep costs low, maximise fundraising income, and create unique experiences that introduce new supporters to its work supporting cancer and dementia patients. The discussion explores the extensive planning required to deliver the Extreme Colour Run, including venue selection, risk assessments, volunteer recruitment, insurance, and weather contingency plans. Louise reveals that planning began nine months before the event, which ultimately sold out with 300 participants. The pair also discuss marketing on a limited budget, with social media, community partnerships, and volunteer support helping attract participants from across Gloucestershire and beyond. A key theme is accessibility. Rather than relying heavily on sponsorship, Cobalt focused on offering an affordable event that still generated funds for the charity, making it easier for people to get involved and make a difference. Key Takeaways * Charity-run events can raise funds while attracting new supporters. * The Extreme Colour Run sold out with 300 participants. * Careful planning and volunteer support are critical to success. * Community partnerships helped keep costs low. * Affordable events make fundraising more accessible and inclusive. If you'd like to join Cobalt at one of their events head here  [https://www.cobalthealth.co.uk/fundraising/] 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 * charity run events * charity colour run * charity fundraising ideas * community fundraising events * fundraising event planning * charity event fundraising * fundraising for local charities * charity running events UK * charity challenge events * charity event organisers

Inside a Sub 3 Hour Marathon: How Adam Dixon Ran Manchester in 2:57

In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone Runner Reviews Podcast, Adam Dixon joins host Tim Rogers to review his experience at the Manchester Marathon, where he achieved a very impressive 2:57 finish time. Adam discusses his training programme, which combined interval sessions, long runs, hill work, gym training, and careful race nutrition. Despite averaging around 37 miles per week, he credits consistency, strength work, and disciplined pacing for helping him break the three-hour barrier. The pair also discuss the Manchester Marathon course, its excellent organisation, and the incredible crowd support that creates a memorable race-day atmosphere. Adam shares insights into how he manages pacing, uses nutrition to avoid hitting the wall, and stays mentally focused throughout the race. The conversation finishes with a look at Adam's recent Backyard Ultra challenge and his future goal of running a personal best at the Warsaw Marathon as he targets a Good For Age qualification for the London Marathon. Key takeaway: Success in marathon running comes from consistent training, smart pacing, effective nutrition, and a positive mindset. 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 Adam and run for Alder Hey Children's Charity you can find out more here [https://www.alderheycharity.org/events/] Keywords * Manchester Marathon review * Manchester Marathon 2026 * Sub 3 hour marathon * Marathon training tips * Marathon pacing strategy * Marathon nutrition * Marathon race review * Marathon training plan * Running podcast * Marathon runner interview

A First Time Marathoner And Fundraising Hero: Simon’s Manchester Marathon Story

In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone Runner Review Podcast, Tim Rogers speaks with Simon Webb about completing his first Manchester Marathon while raising money for the Scoliosis Support and Research charity. Simon explains how he progressed from casual running and local races to taking on the marathon challenge after his daughter Isla underwent spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis. Fundraising for the cause became a powerful source of motivation throughout his training. The conversation covers the realities of marathon preparation, including balancing training with family life, overcoming setbacks, and building up to his longest training runs. Simon also shares his race-day experience, praising the atmosphere, organisation, and crowd support at Manchester. While the first half of the race felt comfortable, the final miles became a tough mental and physical challenge. Despite just missing his four-hour target, Simon crossed the finish line in an impressive 4:09 and was delighted with the achievement. A key highlight was his fundraising success, raising approximately £2,500 through sponsorship, community events, and a popular charity race night. Simon also discusses the importance of family support and why he has already signed up to return for Manchester Marathon next year. The episode provides an honest insight into first-time marathon running, fundraising, and the determination needed to achieve a personal challenge while supporting a meaningful cause. 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 Simon and run for Scoliosis Support & Research you can find out more here [https://ssr.org.uk/challenge-events/] Keywords * Manchester Marathon * Manchester Marathon review * First marathon experience * Marathon training journey * Marathon fundraising * Marathon race report * First-time marathon runner * Running for charity * Marathon podcast * Marathon training tips

Resilience, Friendships and Fundraising: With Fi Collins

In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone Podcast, Tim Rogers talks to Fi Collins, Director of Fundraising at Switch the Play Foundation, about her journey from first-time runner to ultra marathon finisher. Fi shares her experience of recently completing a challenging 52km ultra marathon in the Cotswolds and reflects on how running became part of her life after signing up for the Gold Coast Marathon while living in Australia. What began as a fundraising challenge for Cancer Research UK soon developed into a passion for endurance running. The conversation explores Fi's love of trail running, including taking on the demanding 100km Trailwalker event, and the lessons she has learned about pacing, teamwork and resilience. Fi also discusses the work of Switch the Play Foundation, which supports athletes transitioning out of professional sport, and explains why storytelling is such an important part of successful fundraising. The episode concludes with practical advice for runners and fundraisers, highlighting the value of supportive running partners, consistent training and using a personal connection to a cause as motivation when the miles get tough. 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 Fi and run for the Switch The Play Foundation you can find out more here [https://switchtheplay.com/support-us/fundraise/] Keywords * Ultra marathon training * Trail running * Ultra marathon runner * Fundraising for charity * Charity running events * Running for charity * Trail ultra marathon * Endurance running * Marathon fundraising * Ultra running tips * Switch The Play Foundation

“It’s All Worth It”: Andrea Watt on Marathons, Fundraising, and the Power of The Running Community

Join Tim Rogers from the Sapphire Running Zone as he chats with Andrea Watt, Stewardship Officer at the Stroke Association and passionate marathon runner from northeast Scotland. From running the London Marathon with a Walkman, paper sponsor forms, and no GPS tracking, to completing the New York City Marathon alongside her daughter Rebecca, Andrea shares stories from nearly three decades of running, fundraising, and community spirit. In this inspiring episode, Andrea reflects on how marathon culture has changed over the years, the unforgettable atmosphere of New York and London, and why she still loves the challenge of training and race day in her fifties. She also shares practical fundraising advice for charity runners, including how to use your local community, social media, and creative ideas to hit ambitious targets without being afraid to ask for support. The conversation also explores the emotional side of running; the friendships formed on race day, the shared experience of wearing a charity vest, and why every early-morning training run becomes worth it when you cross the finish line. Andrea talks openly about returning to running after raising her children, chasing new marathons, and learning to focus less on finish times and more on enjoying the experience. Whether you’re preparing for your first half marathon, fundraising for a cause close to your heart, or dreaming about running one of the big city centre marathons, this episode is full of warmth, humour, nostalgia, and motivation. 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 Andrea and run for the Stroke Association you can find out more here [https://events.stroke.org.uk/home?_gl=1*xjc4y1*_gcl_au*MjEwNDA5NjQ5NS4xNzc5ODI1Njg5*_ga*NTIwNDQzMjY1LjE3Nzk4MjU2ODk.*_ga_5BZW1PP5BC*czE3Nzk4Nzc4MzMkbzIkZzAkdDE3Nzk4Nzc4MzMkajYwJGwwJGgxNTgyNTMxMjA4*_fplc*bXRlRzdGTDZRTk51WWFjNHZodm9pblBzdTJZSU1ESHZjY0NidDNIODllNHozJTJGNFI3Rk9YR3hmJTJCcFFUQjVLczdPNTIzZkhsY0FFUGolMkZ3TVFPWU1FaE1sekJEMlpsYXNpckJpR0lCYWRaWWVlZjdNbThaSG9HV1ZEZHRoazRRJTNEJTNE] Keywords * marathon fundraising tips * London Marathon fundraising ideas * charity marathon training * marathon podcast * running podcast UK * New York City Marathon experience * London Marathon 1997 * Stroke Association fundraising * half marathon motivation * marathon training inspiration * running community stories * fundraising for charity marathon * marathon runner interview * women marathon runners over 50 * marathon training journey * creative fundraising ideas * running for charity tips * UK running podcast * major marathon experiences * London vs New York Marathon * half marathon training motivation * endurance running stories * marathon mindset * fundraising manager interview * running and community spirit