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From Couch to Half Marathon: Stuart’s Inspiring Running Comeback
On this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone Podcast, host Tim Rogers sat down with Stuart Boakesy to unpack an inspiring journey, from barely managing a minute of running to smashing a half marathon in a great time, just a few months later. This is more than a running story. It’s about rediscovery, discipline, and the power of community.


From Injury to Finish Line: An Inspiring Brighton Marathon Journey with Olivia Harman
There’s something uniquely powerful about marathon stories, the mix of grit, vulnerability, and triumph. In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, host Tim Rogers sits down with Olivia Harman to reflect on her remarkable journey to completing the Brighton Marathon. From injury setbacks to emotional breakthroughs, Olivia’s story is one that resonates far beyond running. Olivia at the race start in Preston Park HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE Running for a Cause T


Using The Gym For Fundraising: With Emma Millard
When people think about fundraising challenges, they often picture marathons, skydives, or long-distance cycling events. But what if one of the most powerful fundraising spaces is somewhere very familiar, your local gym? In this Sapphire Running Zone podcast, fundraiser Emma Millard shared how she turned gym-based endurance challenges into impactful fundraising campaigns, supporting mental health services working for Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind.


The Tiger Run Dhaka: A Unique Opportunity To Run In Bangladesh!
The Tiger Run Dhaka 2026 is open to everyone in the running community. It especially welcomes people who care about the environment, such as those passionate about the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Sundarbans. Students and educators interested in environmental science and conservation are also encouraged to join. Researchers, conservationists, and professionals who want to learn more about forest ecosystems are invited as well.


From First Steps, to Race Director of the Cross Bay Half Marathon: With Kat Michaels
In this podcast, Tim Rogers speaks with Kat Michaels from Cancer Care about her journey from running just 1km a day as a new mum to completing half marathons and leading major fundraising efforts. Kat shares simple, practical advice on building consistency, setting goals, and raising money effectively through personal storytelling and community support.
She also gives insight into organising the Cross Bay Half Marathon, a unique event where runners cross a tidal bay.


Breaking Barriers: How Clarke Reynolds Made Marathon History with Smart Glasses
This podcast episode is something truly special. We’re joined by Clarke Reynolds, also known as Mr. Dot, fresh from making history at the Brighton Marathon. Clarke has just become the first blind person in the world to complete a marathon using smart glasses and the Be My Eyes app, an incredible achievement that’s redefining what’s possible in endurance sport.


The London Marathon Course: 26.2 Miles Of Memories
Starting in Greenwich and finishing on The Mall, metres from Buckingham Palace, the London Marathon gives its runners a truly unique tour of the capital. Running on closed roads cheered on by tens of thousands is an experience like no other. But where exactly does it take you and what are the highlights?


Running Together. Inside The World Of Guide Running: With Alastair Ratcliffe
In the world of endurance running, there are plenty of inspiring stories, but every now and then, one comes along that genuinely redefines what’s possible. In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, host Tim Rogers sat down with guide runner Alastair to discuss an extraordinary upcoming challenge at the Brighton Marathon. This isn’t just another race story. It’s about trust, technology, and the evolving role of human support in sport.


How To Taper For Your Next Running Event
Two or three weeks before your big day and chances are your body will tell you it definitely doesn't want to slow down this far out from race day. But that's exactly what you need to do. It's now time to conserve energy and build up glycogen reserves ready for your run. You'll feel like a coiled spring, ready for action, but you must slow down. This is the taper, part of training for a running event,


Behind the Cheer Points. Supporting Runners Every Step of the Way: With Kara Hopgood
In the latest Sapphire Running Zone podcast, Tim Rogers sits down with Kara Hopgood from the Southern Hospice Group to explore the powerful intersection of running, fundraising, and community support. From first-time races to managing large teams of charity runners, Kara offers a heartfelt look into what it really takes to support people taking on endurance challenges for a cause.


The Ultra That Anyone Can Do: Inside One More Lap With Ian Covey
Ian Covey is a self-described “terrible runner”. In this podcast he talks about how running became a way to connect, stay healthy, and support charities. It led him to create One More Lap, a fun, team-based ultra event that makes fundraising accessible, social, and impactful, showing that running is about people, purpose, and community.


The Cross Bay Half Marathon: A Truly Unique UK Half Marathon
The Cross Bay Half Marathon begins on the beautiful coastline of Arnside, with the race starting at Arnside Promenade. From here, runners head out across the vast tidal flats of Morecambe Bay, navigating a route that combines firm sands, shallow channels and wide open views across one of Britain’s most spectacular coastal landscapes. The course winds its way across the bay before finishing at Cark Airfield, where runners will be welcomed into a lively Runner’s Village


Bangkok Marathon Weekend: Thailand's Finest
The Bangkok Marathon gives runners a unique opportunity to run in Bangkok, traffic free, The weekend offers a 5km, 10km, half and full marathon and is held annually each November. The Bangkok Marathon begins at the Royal Grand Palace on Sanamchai Road and takes runners past many famous landmarks, including the religious sites of the City Pillar Shrine and the Emerald Buddha Temple, the royal landmarks of Vimanmek Mansion, the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall and the Chitralada Pal


The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend: A Real City Showcase
Four events, from the Philadelphia Marathon Marathon to a Children's Run and four challenges, including The Liberty Bell, this is the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, held every November and one of the biggest in the US. Fast and scenic courses weave past historic landmarks, through urban neighborhoods, and along Philadelphia's picturesque waterfronts.


Portland Marathon: Experience The Rose City
The Portland Marathon is a great way to get to know Oregon's 'Rose City'. With four epic bridge crossings, a downtown start and finish, and a tour through some of the most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods in town. Taking runners along a loop of Portland along the east and west sides of the city’s Willamette River, the Portland Marathon starts and finishes at Waterfront Park and showcases the best the area has to offer.


Key West Half Marathon: Fun in Florida
Head to Florida in mid January and take part in the Key West Half Marathon and Runfest, in one of the State's coolest regions. Key West is a special place and what better way to see it than on a run in the sun. The half goes up past the historic district, past the Southernmost Point and along beautiful Smathers Beach. The finish line is right by the Half Shell Raw Bar, a well known entertainment venue and very near the start!


Building a World Class Running Event: The Burj2Burj Half Marathon With Warrick Mac Nicol
Organising a mass-participation running event might look simple from the outside: close a few roads, welcome runners to the start line and hand out some medals at the finish, but behind every successful race is an enormous amount of planning, investment, and risk. In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, host Tim Rogers spoke with Warwick Mac Nicol, founder of the iconic Burj2Burj half marathon in Dubai.


Twin Cities Marathon: A Weekend With A Difference
A weekend of multiple events, this is another one with a difference. The Twin Cities Marathon runs from one city to another, not something many can boast. It starts in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a major city that forms the “Twin Cities” with the neighbouring state capital of St. Paul. The community-inclusive event also includes live art, course entertainment, the Summit Beer Garden, and welcomes non-participants to join the 300,000+ cheering spectators who line the race courses
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