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. 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.

If you'd like to find out more about running for St Raphael's Hospice head here

Keywords

• London Marathon 2026
• London Marathon podcast
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• marathon training journey
• charity marathon story
• St Raphael’s Hospice marathon
• London Marathon fundraising
• marathon motivation
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• 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

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. 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.

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

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. 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.

If you'd like to join Emma's running team at Ayrshire Hospice you can find out more here

Keywords

• charity running
• own place runners
• marathon fundraising
• fundraising for charity runs
• hospice fundraising
• Ayrshire Hospice
• London Marathon charity fundraising
• Great Scottish Run fundraising
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• fundraising tips for runners
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• hospice charity donations
• community fundraising
• running with purpose
• endurance fundraising
• charity race fundraising
• fundraising ideas for runners