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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.

Runners looking for a truly unforgettable race experience can celebrate the return of the Cross Bay Half-Marathon on Saturday 4 July 2026. This extraordinary 13.1-mile race takes participants across the tidal sands of Morecambe Bay, making it one of the most unique half marathons in the UK — and widely believed to be the only half-marathon in the world that crosses a tidal bay. Last held in 2016, the event returns in 2026 . It's a real bucket list event!

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

Starting in the heart of Sydney and heading to the finish at Bondi Beach the 8.7 miles of the City2Surf 70,000 runner event are pretty special. Being involved in something of this scale is an experience in itself and with a course like this you are guaranteed a day you'll never forget, one way or another. There's also a 'Heartbreak Hill', not quite on the scale of Boston, but still pretty steep!

As soon as you step into a Disney park you know you're going to have a pretty special day. Add in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and it will be even better. It all happens early, but that's what makes it even better. Fireworks to get you going and parks free of visitors as you run from one to another. This is one of those bucket list events. The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is a must do.

One of the most famous distance running events in the world, the Peachtree Road Race is held in Atlanta, Georgia every July. Up to 60,000 runners take on the 6.2 mile (10km) course from Buckhead to the corners of midtown, finishing in the city's Piedmont Park. It's a massive event, with an elite field and is part of a huge programme of races all organised by the Atlanta Track Club. You have to be part of this one, at least once!

Portugal is a great country for runners. It's often the location for winter running camps due to its great climate when much of the rest of Europe isn't so good. It also has some great events, including the Lisbon Half Marathon, one of the six SuperHalf events. So what's it like, worth the trip?

With more than 65,000 runners taking part in multiple distances, including the half and the full marathons and a course that weaves through the city's principal landmarks you can understand why the Mumbai Marathon is the biggest running festival on the continent. Check out the new route taking in Flora Fountain, Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach, Haji Ali Dargah, the Bandra-Worli Sea link and the Mumbai Coastal Road .

Brooklyn is home to some incredible running events. The Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon is operated by NYC RUNS and is one of the ten biggest halfs in the US. You'll get to start in Williamsburg, run past the three bridges, through some of the coolest parts of the Borough, Brooklyn Museum, the Grand Army Plaza Arch, and finish in Prospect Park.

Running often starts with a simple goal: get fitter, clear your mind, or try something new. But for many people, it becomes much more; a journey of resilience, community, and purpose. That’s exactly what happened to Charlotte Patrick, Events Team Leader at Naomi House & Jacksplace hospices for children and young adults, whose running journey took her from the Couch to 5K programme in 2019 all the way to completing the London Marathon and even tackling an international relay r

In the latest Sapphire Running Zone podcast, Tim Rogers sat down with Charlotte Mann, Senior Fundraising Manager for VICTA, a national charity supporting blind and partially sighted young people. Their conversation explored a refreshing perspective on running — one that prioritises enjoyment, community, and purpose over race medals and finish times. Here are the key takeaways from Charlotte’s running journey and her insights into fundraising.

Running and fundraising often go hand in hand — but for some people, the connection goes far deeper than miles and money. In a recent conversation on the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, Paul Courtney, Director of Fundraising at Children’s Hospice South West, shared powerful insights into how running intersects with purpose, wellbeing, and human connection. His journey reveals lessons not just for charity runners, but for anyone looking to stay motivated, raise funds effectivel

The Paris Half Marathon, a tour of eastern Paris kicks off the European distance running season. Well over 40,000 runners start at Pont de Sully (Île Saint-Louis), and finish at the beautiful Place de la Bastille, just round the corner from the start. It's a great way to see the city and if you're not ready for the full marathon this is the perfect alternative. There is a big percentage of first timers in this one so if you're new to halfs this could be a great first option