In this episode of the Sapphire Running Zone podcast, host Tim Rogers interviews Ivor Stratford about completing the legendary Marathon des Sables, a 270km ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert.

Ivor explains the intense six-month preparation process, which included 100-mile training weeks, gym sessions, treadmill hiking with a weighted pack, and desert heat training in Dubai. He discusses how balancing training alongside work, travel, and family life required huge discipline and mental resilience.

The conversation explores the realities of the race itself:

• Six stages over eight days
• Self-supported racing in extreme desert conditions
• Carrying all food and equipment
• Sleeping in basic communal tents
• Managing severe heat, dehydration, and exhaustion

One of the most dramatic moments came before the race had even started, when Ivor became seriously ill with dehydration and nearly withdrew. After treatment in the medical tent and advice to use beef stock cubes for electrolytes, he recovered enough to continue.

Ivor also shares:

• The mental challenge of the 100km stage
• Hallucinations caused by exhaustion
• The difficulty of eating enough calories
• The camaraderie formed between runners
• The emotional experience of crossing the finish line

Alongside the physical challenge, Ivor used the event to raise money for Dreams Come True and Hospice of St Francis, with fundraising totals already exceeding £11,000.

The episode finishes with Ivor discussing future endurance goals, including the North Downs Way 100 and the Moab 240 ultramarathon in 2027.

If you'd like to support Ivor his fundraising page is here

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.

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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

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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

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