Just under a year after our first conversation, race director John Yelland returns to the UKRunChat Podcast to talk about the realities of organising grassroots events and why community matters more than ever. John is the founder of Mad Hatter Sports Events in Cornwall and creator of the unique Hourglass Race, a "front yard ultra" where runners tackle two-mile laps against a steadily shrinking time limit. In this episode we discuss the challenges facing race organisers, from rising costs and late entries to volunteer recruitment and social media marketing. We also explore what makes grassroots events special, why runners continue to return to Hourglass, and what participants can do to support the races they love. In this episode: How the last year has been for Mad Hatter Sports Events Why grassroots races are facing increasing challenges The impact of late race entries on organisers The difficulty of promoting events through social media Why creating an atmosphere matters as much as the race itself The importance of volunteers and community support How Hourglass differs from a traditional Backyard Ultra Common mistakes first-time Hourglass runners make The strategies that seem to work best in the race Why some ultra runners are intimidated by the format What runners can do to help keep local races alive About Hourglass Hourglass is a unique endurance challenge held at the Royal Cornwall Showground. Runners complete two-mile laps, starting with a 30-minute time limit. Each lap reduces by one minute until participants can no longer complete the distance within the allotted time. The event takes place on 27 July and is organised by Mad Hatter Sports Events. madhattersportsevents.co.uk/… Listen here: Spotify: shorturl.at/Pmtre Apple: apple.co/3fiJ0mJ Web: zencastr.com/z/zyWhuM9U #ukrunchat @mileswithshell

From spin classes in Wimbledon to standing on top of Everest! This week on the UKRunChat Podcast, we chat to mountaineer, expedition guide and photographer Alex Nemeth, the first Hungarian to complete the Seven Summits challenge. While this isn’t a traditional running episode, there’s SO much here for runners: 🏃‍♀️ Training consistency 🏃‍♀️ Facing fears 🏃‍♀️ Endurance mindset 🏃‍♀️ Respecting ultras and big goals 🏃‍♀️ Learning through failure Alex shares how running and cycling became the backbone of her mountain training, why she deliberately trained her weaknesses, and what happened when she underestimated an ultra after climbing Everest! It’s an inspiring reminder that big adventures start with small steps. 🎧 Listen now via the links below Spotify: shorturl.at/Pmtre Apple: apple.co/3fiJ0mJ Web: zencastr.com/z/7zz3w_mM #UKRunChat @mileswithshell

This week on the UKRunChat Podcast, we’re joined by comedian, writer and lifelong runner Paul Tonkinson. Paul’s new book, Running Through Sand, follows his attempt to complete the legendary Marathon des Sables, a 250km self-sufficient ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert. But this conversation goes far beyond the race itself. We talk about: Ageing as a runner Adapting to physical changes Losing competitiveness DNFs and setbacks Why we seek difficult challenges later in life Running as emotional processing The psychology of ultras Simplicity, presence and life in the desert How running changes over decades Paul also shares: How a freak accident with dogs derailed his first MDS attempt Lessons from his DNF at Race to the Stones Why ultras are “75% mental” The emotional impact of Marathon des Sables Why he now sees running less as competition and more as adventure Whether you’re training for an ultra, navigating changes in your running as you get older, or simply trying to hold onto the joy of movement, this is a thoughtful and surprisingly philosophical conversation about what running gives us. You can also hear Paul on the Running Commentary podcast. Links to listen: Spotify: shorturl.at/Pmtre Apple: apple.co/3fiJ0mJ Web: zencastr.com/z/JLWkXlub @BloomsburyBooks @mileswithshell @PaulTonkinson

WIN a copy of Paul Tonkinson’s new book Running Through Sand along with a Beginner Trail Bundle from Harrier Trail Running worth £85. Join Paul as he takes on the toughest footrace on Earth, the Marathon des Sables. While training for the event, calves explode, tendons pop, knees disintegrate. Years come and go, time seems to be running out as the race seems an impossible dream and then, in 2024 when fitness is finally achieved, a freak accident. Paul is run over by dogs, hospitalised, all hope is lost… Spring 2025, the planets align. Tonkinson snags entry to MDS, two months till race time. It’s on – the last hurrah. Get the gear down from the attic, apply the toe jelly and find that mandatory whistle. With such little time to train, he can’t compete any more that’s for sure. So the question is more basic: can he possibly finish? Along with the book, kickstart your own trail running journey with the Beginner Trail Bundle from Harrier Trail Running. Equipped with essential gear like a race vest, soft bottles, and a mini first aid kit, this bundle has everything you need to take on the trails. By entering you agree that your email address will be added to both the UKRunChat and Bloomsbury databases. We will have one winner who will be chosen at random on Sunday June 28th. Enter Here: ukrunchat.co.uk/competition1… @BloomsburySport

What does it take to run 1,600km in 28 days? In this week’s UKRunChat podcast episode, Michele is joined by Aaron Sharples, who is taking on El Camino Español, a self-designed route along the entire east coast of Spain 🇪🇸 This isn’t your traditional Camino. It’s a modern pilgrimage. Starting at the French border and finishing in Gibraltar, Aaron will average 80km a day in a challenge that could become a world first. But what really stood out in this conversation wasn’t just the distance, it was the mindset. We talk about: ✨ Running through grief ✨ Building resilience from scratch ✨ Why courage matters more than comfort ✨ And how movement can bring people together 🎧 Listen now Spotify: shorturl.at/Pmtre Apple: apple.co/3fiJ0mJ Web: zencastr.com/z/n8X34Orr #UKRunChat #RunningPodcast #runnersofinstagram #running

WIN a copy of Breathe Smarter, Run Stronger by master Oxygen Advantage coach David 'Jacko' Jackson. Unlock the key to running faster and further. Be one of three winners of Breathe Smarter, Run Stronger by master Oxygen Advantage coach David ‘Jacko’ Jackson, published by @BloomsburySport Enter here : ukrunchat.co.uk/competition1… BETTER RUNNERS BREATHE BETTER Your breath is fundamental to physical and mental performance. How you breathe affects your efficiency, your perception of effort, your nervous system and more. Yet you've probably never trained your breathing. David 'Jacko' Jackson simplifies the science of respiration and gives you the practical tools for smarter breathing and stronger running. He takes you through the limitations of how we currently breathe and shows you how to train your respiratory system. Through breathwork exercises integrated into your training – including mobility hacks to unlock your ribcage and tools to develop your diaphragm – you'll learn how to ventilate more efficiently like an elite runner. No matter your running experience, this book will unlock the key to running further and faster. We will choose our 3 winners at random. Winners will be contacted via email after the closing date, Thursday 8th April at midnight. Terms and conditions apply (please see our website for details)

🎙️ NEW PODCAST EPISODE 🎙️ What actually goes into creating a half marathon through the centre of London? In this episode, we sit down with Lia Fyles, the driving force behind the London Landmarks Half Marathon to talk about how the event came to life, from closing central London roads to building one of the UK’s most in-demand races. We chat about: 
– How it started as a fundraising idea
 – What makes the route and atmosphere so appealing
 – The scale of organising an event like this 
– Why it resonates so strongly with runners If you’ve ever run it, thought about entering, or just wondered how events like this even happen, this one’s worth a listen. 🎧 Listen now Spotify: shorturl.at/Pmtre Apple: apple.co/3fiJ0mJ Web: zencastr.com/z/IyzbitJZ #UKRunChat #Podcast @LLHalf @mileswithshell