The UKRunChat podcast.

From Shrewsbury to the Sahara: Neil's Road to the Marathon des Sables

In this episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, Michelle is joined by Neil, who is preparing for one of the toughest footraces in the world, the Marathon des Sables, a 250km multi-day ultra across the Sahara Desert.Neil shares how he first got into running (from rugby pitches in Bradford to his first London Marathon), what keeps bringing him back to the Shrewsbury Half Marathon, sponsored by Pareto, and how he’s training for the desert, from 4am starts and 60-mile training weeks, to sand dunes, heat chambers, and learning how to fuel on the run.We also talk about the community side of running, fundraising for charity, and why he believes running is about self-belief and simply “just doing it.”

Gemma Wright | Pareto FM

In this inspiring episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, Michelle chats with Gemma Wright, Senior Account Manager at Pareto FM and headline sponsor of the Shrewsbury Half & Metric Half Marathon.Gemma shares her journey of rediscovering running after a serious hip injury, losing nearly eight stone, and finding strength through running after the loss of her dad. Over the past 18 months, Gemma has transformed her life, tackling parkruns, 10Ks, half marathons, and even her first ultramarathon.She opens up about: How she went from struggling to walk 10 minutes to completing a half marathon PB at age 43. The mental and physical challenges of running the Race to the King ultra in 36°C heat. The role running played in helping her navigate grief and rebuild her confidence. Training (and racing) alongside her husband Darren, who’s been her biggest supporter. Her goals for the upcoming Shrewsbury Half Marathon, and why it means so much to her to run it as part of her hometown community.Whether you’re just starting out, coming back from injury, or chasing big goals, Gemma’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to change your life through running.Enjoy

Mountain athlete, Skyrunner, and GB SkiMo team member Victoria Thompson

In this episode we’re joined by mountain athlete, skyrunner, and GB SkiMo team member Victoria Thompson Victoria recently made headlines by winning the Montane Summer Spine Sprint South – finishing 1st woman, 2nd overall, and smashing the course record by over 40 minutes!In this episode, we dive into:🧭 Her nav style – map and compass always at hand💪 How cross-training and speed work transformed her running🏔️ Fastpacking adventures on the TMB & Tour de Monte Rosa📚 Running the Wainwright guidebook routes⛷️ Training with the GB SkiMo teamVictoria’s blend of speed, grit, and mountain spirit is inspiring – don’t miss this one.Follow Victoria on Instagram

Balancing Life, Training, and Race-Day Nutrition with Coach & Triathlete Scott Hill

In this episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, Michelle catches up with coach and triathlete Scott Hill, who returns to share his insights on training and racing while leading a busy life. Scott talks about the importance of self-reflection and mindset, how to structure consistent training without falling into volume swings, and how to use training to refine your race-day fuelling strategy.We also hear about Scott’s recent racing experiences, his role pacing the 90-minute group at the Shrewsbury Half Marathon, and his top tips for athletes who want to balance family, work, and training without losing progress.What you’ll learn in this episode: How self-reflection and flexibility can help busy athletes stay consistent Why discipline matters more than motivation Strategies for building training plans without big volume spikes Practical ways to test and refine your fuelling for race day Scott’s advice for keeping training fun, family-friendly, and sustainableFollow Scott: Instagram: @ironhill83 Coaching: TriWolf Coach

Take the Baton: Catherine Switzer, 261 Fearless & the Future of Women's Running | Dr Juliette McGrattan

In this episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, Michelle is joined by Dr Juliette McGrattan, co-founder of 261 Fearless Club UK, to talk about the upcoming 261 Fearless UK Women’s Running Conference taking place in Bicester on 13th September 2025.Themed Take the Baton, the conference celebrates the past, present, and future of women’s running. Keynote speakers include Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon, and GB ultra-runner Sophie Power, founder of She Races.Juliette shares the story behind 261 Fearless, the ethos of its UK running groups, and what attendees can expect from this one-of-a-kind event. From empowering panels with women’s running group founders to practical sessions and networking opportunities, this conference promises goosebumps, laughter, and inspiration for every runner.