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

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

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