UKRunChat

WIN a copy of @PaulTonkinson’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 now: ukrunchat.co.uk/competition100/ @BloomsburySport

A wee taper 2 miles (3.7 mile total) in King's Lynn. Easy week before Run The Blades Half Marathon on Sunday. 🏃🏻‍♂️🙂 #Running #KingsLynn #England #Run #Strava #Runna @UKRunChat

"I will walk with my hands bound I will walk with my face blood I will walk with my shadow flag Into your garden Garden of stone" #reasonstorun @UKRunChat @runningpunks

Monday Miles in the bag, absolutely loving my legs right now feeling very consistent & strong 😀😀😀 @UKRunChat #eveningrun #cousins

🎙️ This week on the UKRunChat Podcast we're joined by Alex Feechan founder of @FINDRAclothing to chat about how women's outdoor clothing has changed over the last decade, why so much kit has historically been designed around men, and why listening to women is the key to creating better products. We talk about confidence, representation, the barriers that stop women getting outdoors, and why something as simple as comfortable leggings can make the difference between heading out for a run, or staying at home. 🎧 Links to listen: Spotify: shorturl.at/Pmtre Apple: apple.co/3fiJ0mJ Web: zencastr.com/z/Pg8L6QBb 👇 We'd love to know. What's the biggest frustration you've had with women's running kit? #ukrunchat

Still mainly gym bike and leg strength for me - plantar fasciitis is a bit of a bugger 😬🤦‍♀️ I will definitely have stronger legs when I do get back to running though! A 5km walk in the sunshine perked me up a bit this afternoon 😎 5.3 walks, YTD 713.1 #NHS1000miles @UKRunChat

This is my view of Saturday's #GravesParkparkrun 2 very leg draining hilly laps around the park, all on tarmac paths with views of the peak district and alpacas @Gravesparkrun #runner #running #5k #parkrun @parkrun @UKRunChat youtu.be/vOTOLTl8QB4

@UKRunChat Absolutely gutted ( ignore the smile.) Went for a check up on my dislocated/ fractured shoulder, this morning. I’m booked in for an operation on Wednesday to realign joint and reposition muscles etc. No wonder I’m in such pain. No running for me for a while.🙁

Trail running in the UK continues to grow, and the Altra 13 Valleys Ultra is reporting a significant increase in entries ahead of this September’s race. Taking place in the Lake District on 27 September, the event has seen registrations rise by more than 60% compared with last year, with overall participation expected to increase by 67%. Several of the longer-distance events have also already sold out for 2026, highlighting the continued demand for trail and ultra-running events in the UK. Based in Keswick, the event offers four distances ranging from 22km to 180km, taking runners through some of the Lake District National Park’s most recognisable landscapes. While the headline ultra distances attract experienced endurance runners, organisers say the shortest option—the 2 Valleys 22km—has become increasingly popular with runners looking to make the transition from road running to trails. Unlike many fell races, the route combines roads, tracks and trails, making it a more accessible introduction to off-road running. An eight-hour cut-off also means walkers are welcome alongside runners. For more experienced athletes, the 22km route offers the opportunity to race over a shorter distance while still experiencing the atmosphere of a major trail running event. The continued growth of events such as the Altra 13 Valleys Ultra reflects the wider boom in trail and ultra running across the UK, with more runners looking beyond traditional road races for new challenges in the mountains and countryside. This year’s event takes place on 27 September, with the longer distances already proving particularly popular. Entries for the 22km event remain available.

TV presenter, author and charity founder Katie Piper OBE will be taking part in a significant fundraising challenge this year, joining fellow burns survivors. Piper will take part in this year’s Thames Bridges Trek in London, returning after completing the challenge in 2025, alongside a survivor group from the Katie Piper Foundation. Piper, who founded the Katie Piper Foundation following her own recovery from life-changing burns injuries, will be taking on the challenge with members of the Foundation’s survivor community as they raise funds and awareness for people living with burns and traumatic scarring. Taking place on Saturday 12 September, the Thames Bridges Trek will see thousands of walkers cross the capital on a 25km journey from Putney Bridge to Southwark Park, weaving across 16 of London’s historic bridges and taking in some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The challenge holds particular significance for the charity, which works to ensure that no survivor faces life after burns and trauma alone. Founded in 2009, the Katie Piper Foundation is the UK’s only charity providing a complete rehabilitation pathway that extends beyond NHS acute care, offering specialist physiotherapy, psychological support and personalised rehabilitation programmes for people living with burns and scarring injuries. Speaking ahead of the event, Katie Piper said: “I loved taking part in the Thames Bridges Trek last year. There’s something really special about seeing London from a different perspective, alongside an incredible community of people supporting causes close to their hearts. “I can’t wait to be back this year, especially to walk alongside our amazing survivor group and cheer everyone on along the way.” The Thames Bridges Trek will bring together more than 1,500 participants for a journey across London, beginning at Putney Bridge before heading east across 16 historic crossings of the River Thames. Walkers will stop at The Oval Cricket Ground before completing the final section of the route and crossing Tower Bridge en route to a festival-style finish and picnic celebration in Southwark Park. As well as the 25km challenge, there will be a 10km option, starting from Oval Cricket Ground and ending at Southwark Park. For many members of the Katie Piper Foundation community, taking part represents far more than a physical challenge. Survivors often face long-term physical and emotional recovery after burns and trauma, with confidence, mobility and wellbeing all impacted long after hospital treatment ends. The Foundation supports people at every stage of that journey, whether their injury occurred recently or decades ago, helping them rebuild strength, independence and self-belief through clinically led, trauma-informed rehabilitation. Katie’s participation also forms part of a wider weekend of fundraising challenges across the capital organised by Ultra Challenge, including the Thames Moonlight 10 Walk on the evening of Friday 11 September and the Thames Path Ultra Challenge across 12-13 September, which features distances of up to 100km. As the Thames Bridges Trek returns this autumn, Piper hopes to inspire others to take on the challenge, enjoy a unique view of London and support causes that matter to them.

The Newman Hilly 5 - Elvis race #5 🥵 and a 7 second PB! 👌🏾@ukrunchat @nike @thebhf

Question: How do you get over the anxiety of running outside alone I can run on the treadmill at the gym , run at park run around people But the thought of running on my own fills me with dread 😬🫣 #UkRunChat @UKRunChat

Light and (much needed) shade throughout this morning’s early #run 🏃‍♀️ … #Ealing #Hanwell #London #Heatwave @UKRunChat #naturephotography

Treadmill run/jog tonight and a well deserved beer afterwards @UKRunChat #ukrunchat

2027 London Marathon ballot results are out today A record-breaking 1,338,544 people from the UK and around the world entered the ballot - are you one of the lucky ones to secure a place? It was recently announced that the 2027 event will be a double marathon, taking place over the weekend of 24-25 April next year. In a world-first, an astonishing 100,000 people will take part across the two days. Everyone who entered the 2027 ballot was automatically included in a random draw for both days: Saturday 24 April and Sunday 25 April. Successful entrants have now discovered which day they have been allocated and can start planning to take on the TCS London Marathon course, from Greenwich to Westminster, on what will be a historic weekend for the event. Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, organisers of the TCS London Marathon, said: “The 2027 Double TCS London Marathon will be a weekend of celebration like no other in history. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 100,000 people to take part across the two days, with 45,000 taking part on Saturday and 55,000 on Sunday. “We know there’s a record number of people eagerly awaiting today’s results. For those who are successful, their exciting journey to the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon begins now. “For those who didn’t get a place in the ballot, you can still be part of the TCS London Marathon by applying for one of the charity places – which, for 2027 only, includes the chance to run on the Saturday. “We are thrilled to be able to offer this unique opportunity to take part across two days and we can’t wait to welcome 100,000 people to the streets of London next spring.”

The Saucony London 10k returns this Sunday with 20,000 runners set to take to the streets. Passing by Big Ben, the London Eye and Trafalgar Square, the route will be bordered by thousands of spectators as the capital comes together to celebrate. With Wimbledon in town and the men’s singles final after the race on 12 July, the city will be buzzing on one of British sports iconic summer weekends. Some participants will be chasing personal bests while others raise vital funds for charities close to their hearts, with over half a million raised in 2025. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of the Saucony London 10k’s race day. Timings Bag drop will open from 07:45 ahead of the race starting at 09:30. The first finisher is expected just half an hour later with the race cutoff at 12:15, with roads beginning to reopen at that stage. The bag collection areas and event site will be closed from 13:00. Location The start line is located at Piccadilly, with runners given different routes to enter depending on their allotted start pen. It will finish at Whitehall. The bag drop and help desks are all housed at Waterloo Place. The simplest way to reach the event is by taking the Tube to Charing Cross, Embankment, Victoria, St James’ Park or Westminster. Driving or cycling isn’t advised, as road closures along the route begin from 05:00. These closures also affect Santander cycle docks on the route, which will be unavailable for the day. Event volunteers and walking‑route signage will be on hand to help guide attendees on the day. Bib collection Race packs can be collected from the Saucony Store at 4 James Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8BH. Collection is open Wednesday 8 July (12:00–19:00), Thursday 9 July (12:00–19:00), Friday 10 July (12:00–19:00) and Saturday 11 July (10:00–17:30). Spectators Organisers have designed a quick viewing loop for spectators to catch their runners at four separate spots, all within a minute’s walk of each other. Starting at the race’s 1k mark on Regent Street, the loop then heads to Trafalgar Square at 3k. The 7k mark, Embankment, provides beautiful Thames views before spectators can get set at the finish line to welcome their runners over the line.

A record breaking 13,000 runners took to the streets of Newcastle on Sunday (5 July) for the biggest ever AJ Bell Great North 10K, cementing its place as the North East’s largest and fastest growing 10K event. Thousands of runners of all ages and abilities crossed the start line on Great North Road before following a refreshed city-centre route through the heart of Newcastle. The 2026 course took participants through Newcastle University campus, along Northumberland Street, past the Great North Museum, Grey’s Monument, Old Eldon Square, across the iconic Tyne Bridge, before returning to a spectacular finish on Great North Road and celebrations in the Event Village on the Town Moor. With participation increasing from 5,800 just two years ago, to 10,000 in 2025 and now 13,000 runners in 2026, the event continues to go from strength to strength as one of the UK’s most popular city centre 10Ks. The day began with British sports broadcaster Pete Graves, ambassador for the Newcastle United Foundation, officially starting the event before runners set off in waves through packed city streets lined with thousands of spectators. Live music zones, entertainment, charity cheer points and interactive activations created an electric atmosphere from start to finish. A highlight of the morning was the Newcastle United Foundation Black & White Wave, where hundreds of runners wearing distinctive black and white race numbers came together to raise vital funds for the Foundation’s education, employability, sport and wellbeing programmes across the North East. The unique fundraising wave formed part of the event’s fifth consecutive year of partnership with Newcastle United Foundation, helping to raise important funds and awareness for the charity. The AJ Bell Great North 10K continues to celebrate the diversity of the North East, welcoming runners from every background, age and ability. Whether chasing a personal best, completing a first ever 10K, fundraising for charity or simply enjoying the experience, thousands of participants shared the streets of Newcastle in a celebration of community, achievement and inclusivity. Sir Brendan Foster, Founder & President of the Great Run Company, said; ‘What an incredible day for Newcastle and for everyone who took part. Seeing a record 13,000 runners crossing the start line shows just how passionate people are about running in the North East. It’s a real community event that brings people together. ‘The atmosphere throughout the city has been outstanding. From the volunteers and spectators to the charities, entertainers and partners who make the event possible, it’s been a fantastic celebration of everything that makes this region so special.’ AJ Bell Great North 10K Results Top 3 Female Kate Maltby in a time of 00:34:39 Christa Cain in a time of 00:35:01 Zoe Oldfield in a time of 00:37:56 Top 3 Male Joseph Wilson in a time of 00:31:16 Anthony Sayers in a time of 00:31:34 Conrad in a time of 00:32:08 The AJ Bell Great North 10K has kicked off the start of an exciting summer of running ahead in the North East, with many participants using today’s event as a stepping stone towards the AJ Bell Great North Run on Sunday 13th September. Those inspired by today’s event won’t have long to wait to secure their place next year. Entries for the 2027 AJ Bell Great North 10K, taking place on Sunday 4 July 2027, are now open at a special Super Earlybird price for a limited time. Picture Credits: North News

Joma Sport and scottishathletics have announced an extension to their longstanding contract, ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The extension builds on a partnership that has seen Joma provide high-quality competition and training apparel to athletes at every level of the sport. As scottishathletics looks ahead to one of the biggest sporting events ever to be staged on home soil, the continued collaboration ensures Scotland's athletes will take to the track and field wearing performance kit designed to help them perform at their very best. The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games represents a unique opportunity for Scottish athletes to compete in front of a home crowd, and Joma's innovative technical apparel will play a key role in supporting Team Scotland's athletics squad throughout the Games. Colin Hutchison, Scottish Athletics CEO said: "We are delighted to have extended our partnership with Joma Sport as we enter a really exciting period for Athletics in Scotland. Pulling on a Scotland vest is a proud moment in every athlete’s career and none more so than for the Commonwealth Games. We provide over 300 Scotland vest opportunities a year across track and field, road, cross country, hill and trail running, and Joma’s support helps ensure our athletes are provided with high quality kit to help them perform at their best." Sam Alsop, Scotland Brand Manager added: "We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with Scottish Athletics and to support Scotland's athletes on one of the biggest stages in world sport. Glasgow 2026 will be a memorable occasion, and we're honoured to provide the kit that athletes will wear as they compete in front of a home crowd. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Scottish Athletics to support the development of athletics across Scotland." Beyond Glasgow 2026, the extended partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting athletics from grassroots participation through to elite performance, helping athletes across Scotland access world-class apparel as they strive to achieve their goals. The partnership also supports development across the pathway by providing scottishathletics staff, tutors and officials with kit for delivery of their roles. With preparations for the Commonwealth Games already underway, the partnership marks another significant milestone in the journey towards what promises to be an unforgettable summer of athletics in Glasgow.

13,000 set to run Great North 10K this Sunday More runners than ever before will take to the streets of Newcastle this Sunday, 5 July, for the AJ Bell Great North 10K. The North East’s biggest and best 10K event will welcome 13,000 runners, transforming the city in a celebration of community, determination and achievement. With participation continuing to grow year on year organisers are delighted to increase the number of places from 10,000 last year so more runners than ever can take part. And with less than 100 places available, there’s just about time to join the region’s fastest growing running event. Anna Thompson, Event Director, said, ‘The AJ Bell Great North 10K is more popular than ever, with 2026 set to be our biggest event yet. It’s a fantastic reflection of the passion for running in the North East and how the running community is really getting behind this event. Starting and finishing on Great North Road, the route takes in the city centre and showcases some of Newcastle’s most famous landmarks, including Greys Monument, the iconic Tyne Bridge, and many more, From the first stride to the finish line, runners will be powered by incredible North East support, with tens of thousands of spectators, live music zones, charity cheer points and entertainment zones, creating an electric atmosphere around the course. The celebrations continue at the finish as runners receive their finisher medal and t-shirt, and enjoy the finish line DJ and live music in the event village on the Town Moor. The AJ Bell Great North 10K also marks the start of an exciting summer of running in the North East, with thousands using the event as the perfect stepping stone for building towards September’s AJ Bell Great North Run on Sunday 13 September. 2026 sees a continuation of the event’s partnership with Newcastle United Foundation, with hundreds of runners joining the much-loved Black & White Wave to raise vital funds to support life-changing education, employability, sport and wellbeing programmes across the North East. Newcastle College will also have a large presence at the event, with hundreds of participants set to take part in the ‘Blue Wave’, and College volunteers supporting activity across the day. This year’s AJ Bell Great North 10K features hundreds of inspiring runners taking on the challenge for causes close to their hearts, celebrating personal milestones and supporting charities that make a real difference. Nafis, 41, from Newcastle only discovered running after turning 40. Having never previously run more than 2.5km on a treadmill, he credits the inspirational Great Run community and Newcastle’s unique event atmosphere for motivating him to take on his first Great North 10k. Andrew, 28, from Bedlington is running to prove that determination can overcome adversity. After suffering a serious knee injury in 2020, Andrew underwent surgery and was told he would never play sport or take part in strenuous activity again. Refusing to accept that prognosis, he’s now taking on the Great North 10k to show that with resilience and belief, anything is possible. Hayley, 42, from Middlewich will be running just under two years after undergoing life-saving open heart surgery to repair a large hole in her heart. She’s taking on the Great North 10k to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation and to celebrate how far she has come since her operation. If you can’t make it to the streets of Newcastle to cheer on runners in person, then check out the live stream on the Great Run YouTube channel, and join tens of thousands of people who are expected to tune in to watch the action unfold.

Who is the real Lazarus Lake? Most runners know Lazarus Lake as the creator of the Barkley Marathons and Backyard Ultra. But after spending a year filming the first authorised documentary about him, filmmaker Paul Mellor discovered a very different person behind the legend. In this episode, Paul shares: 🏃 Why Laz finally agreed to tell his story 🌲 What really drives him 💭 His philosophy on failure and resilience ⛰️ Why he creates races that reveal who we really are ❤️ The surprisingly warm, generous man behind the Barkley mythology It's a fascinating conversation that goes far beyond ultrarunning and explores why challenge, curiosity and self-discovery matter to every runner. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts: zencastr.com/z/vVaEe8hg @mileswithshell

Salomon has launched its repair service programme in the UK, allowing customers to easily organise repair of Salomon clothing and bags. “This programme reflects Salomon’s belief that products are built to perform, endure and accompany people through meaningful experiences in the mountain and beyond,” explains Marie-Laure Piednoir, Global Sustainability and Impact Director at Salomon. “Repairing them allows those experiences to last longer.” Salomon products are designed to withstand demanding environments, but wear and tear are part of any adventure. Extending the life of clothes by 9 months would reduce its carbon, water and waste footprint by 20-30%, according to a study from Environmental Coalition on Standards. Another study from WRAP shows that repairing a rip in your waterproof jacket instead of buying a new one could save over 45kg CO2e, equivalent to running almost 300 washing cycles. The repair programme provides a simple pathway for customers to repair their gear rather than replacing it. Customers can access the service through a dedicated online platform with a simple and transparent process: users complete a repair request form online, receive a shipping label, send their product to the repair hub, and receive the repaired item back within 7 to 10 days. The customers pays for the repair itself, while Salomon covers the shipping costs. Salomon is working with United Repair Center (URC), a leading repair specialist with extensive experience in outdoor and lifestyle products repair. URC brings technical expertise particularly suited to repairing performance products with waterproof membranes, complex fabrics and technical construction. These facilities enable scalable repair operations while maintaining high quality standards with bases currently in Amsterdam, London and Paris. Beyond technical expertise, URC also contributes to a strong social impact dimension, notably through programs that help train and employ marginalized communities, supporting their integration into the workforce.