Studmarks

Author, journalist and runner Rose George joins Studmarks for a conversation about running, racing and the things we don’t always talk about. We get into race cut-offs and what they really mean for runners, the experience of running through menopause, and the changing relationship we have with our bodies and the sport as we get older. As ever, there’s plenty of chat about the wider culture of runn...

Continuing our series focusing on female runners, we sit down with Lindsay Buck, better known as the Wasdale Womble. Lindsay reflects on her journey through fell running, how she became one of the sport’s best-known litter pickers, and why giving something back to the hills matters just as much as racing over them. We also settle the important question of the best fell shoe… although the answer wo...

In this episode of Studmarks, we’re joined by Richard Kyle Northey, Managing Director of Durham Mountaineering, to tell the story of a much-loved British outdoor brand. Founded in 1981 by Durham physics teacher Joe Davison, the company grew from a back room in Neville’s Cross into a respected name in mountaineering, renowned for its handcrafted, custom-built clothing. Although the business closed...

At the height of her fell running career, Helen Brown’s life changed in an instant when she was sexually assaulted at a race. In this deeply personal and courageous conversation, Helen shares what happened, the devastating impact it had on her running and wider life, and the long road that followed. We talk about trauma, recovery, the response from the fell running community, and why telling these...

This week on Studmarks, we’re joined by Lee Procter, Global PR & Communications Manager at INOV8. We talk about Lee’s running journey, his role telling the brand’s story, and how INOV8 has stayed true to its fell running roots while expanding into hiking, fitness and other outdoor sports. Thank you for listening. Find us on Facebook and Instagram or join us in our WhatsApp community — where th...

In this episode, Mike Boston—footwear designer behind the new OMM range—takes us inside the journey from concept to creation of a fresh line of fell and trail running shoes. He shares what it’s like building a product category from the ground up with a brand new to footwear, the challenges of designing for harsh terrain, and the key decisions that shaped the range. Mike also offers his perspective...

In this episode of Studmarks , we sit down with Carol Morgan for a raw and honest conversation about what it really means to keep going when things don’t come easy. Carol shares her journey into fell running and the defining role persistence has played along the way. Her story is one of grit and refusal to quit — nowhere more evident than in her multiple attempts at the Bob Graham Round. What stan...

Harry Bolton returns to Studmarks to lift the lid on the next evolution of RonHill footwear — the all-new Reverence 2 and SL. After the strong debut of the original model, we dive into how it was received out on the fells and what runners really thought when they put it to the test. Harry walks us through how real-world feedback — from grip and feel to durability and performance in rough terrain —...

In this episode of Studmarks, Fran Blackett joins us to share her journey from her very first steps into fell running to becoming an award-winning coach. She reflects on the lessons learned along the way, the challenges she’s faced, and what it takes to support others in the sport. We also explore the importance of female-only spaces in running, why they matter, and how they can help more women fe...

In this bonus episode, we sit down with Evan Soule, Creative Lead at LANX, to talk about the collaboration between LANX and Walsh. We explore how the partnership came together, and Evan also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, from initial concept through to execution. Thank you for listening. Find us on Facebook and Instagram or join us in our WhatsApp community — where the f...

Arthur Hill joins us to talk through his astonishing Winter Bob Graham Round record. We dive into the planning, training and nutrition that made it possible, as well as the mental side of taking on one of the toughest challenges in the sport. Arthur also shares the realities of balancing a full-time job with something that can demand huge amounts of time, energy and money. A brilliant guest whose...

Rough, ready, and completely unedited — Steve Chilton, Mark Roberts, and Andrew ‘Scoff’ Schofield talk all things Bob Graham Round. Scoff dials in on his phone, Mark’s on the white wine in his van, and the stories flow as they share experiences, laughs, and reflections on how the Round — and fell running itself — has changed over the years. If you want to go deeper into the history of the Bob Grah...

We’re joined by Will Barton to break down a huge year of racing at the sharp end of the sport. Will talks us through his win at Kentmere Fell Race, a top-ten finish at the Yorkshire Three Peaks (with a timely assist from pickle juice), racing out in Spain, and pulling on his first ever pair of Walsh’s. One of the most exciting runners around right now, Will gives a great insight into what it takes...

Elt Angle-Smith joins Studmarks for a deeply personal conversation about running with ADHD and autism. We talk honestly about social anxiety at races, finding safety in the fells, and how neurodivergence shapes training, competition, and identity. We also revisit a modern fell running classic — the Salomon Fellraiser. Thank you for listening. Find us on Facebook and Instagram Archive Audio- Could...

Studmarks welcomes David Taylor, the Fell Running Guide, for a chat on smart training, essential nav skills, and taking on the big rounds. David also explains how he supports runners through his coaching and guiding work. A great listen for anyone wanting to level up their fell running. fellrunningguide.co.uk Thank you for listening. Find us on Facebook and Instagram Archive audio- The Peak Distri...

This episode of Studmarks features the legendary Darren Fishwick, whose obsession with fell racing is matched only by his unmistakable humour. Darren shares what keeps him hooked on the fells, the characters he’s met along the way, and how his race reports for The Fellrunner magazine accidentally became a beloved tradition. Thank you for listening. Find us on Facebook and Instagram Archive audio-...

In this episode of Studmarks, we sit down with David Lund—fell runner, artist, and creator of the much-loved fell runner caricatures. We dive into what first pulled him toward the fells and explore the story behind Art of Fell Running, his fantastic book of caricatures that celebrates the people who make the fell running world what it is. You can pick up Art of Fell Running at Pete Bland Sports an...

In this episode, we chat with Stuart Smith, International Mountain Leader, who shares stories from a life spent in the world’s wildest places. From breathtaking expeditions to unexpected challenges on the fells, Stuart offers a window into the highs, lows, and humour of life in the mountains. We also dive into the gear that’s accompanied him on countless adventures, touching on iconic brands like...

In this episode, we’re joined by Hayden Thorpe — singer, songcrafter — for a rich conversation about his evocative album Ness . Inspired by Robert Macfarlane’s haunting epic poem of the same name and visually brought to life by illustrator Stanley Donwood, Ness is a bold fusion of music, literature, and landscape. Hayden shares how he approached adapting the poem into song, the creative process be...

In this episode, we're joined by the authors of  Mountain Style: British Outdoor Clothing 1953-2000  to dig into the fascinating journey behind their book. We explore how the project came together, the role of class in shaping outdoor fashion, and how technical mountain wear made the unlikely leap from rugged trails to football terraces. It's a deep dive into subcultures, style, and the...

This week, we’re joined by Chris Farrimond, a fell runner from Wigan. Chris talks about finding his way into the sport just before the world shut down in 2020, the people that keep him inspired and, of course, those iconic handmade shoes from Bolton. Thank you for listening. Find us on Facebook and Instagram Archive audio- Is Wigan becoming too modern? 1970 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f...

In this episode of Studmarks, we sit down with John Mason and Ellis Bland, the founder and co-founder of Våga—a bold running brand born in the Lake District during the pandemic. They share the inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a globally recognised name in the running world. We also dive into their personal running stories and hear Ellis reflect on the iconic Walsh PB fell shoe...

In this episode, we sit down with Tony Leonard, General Manager of VJ UK , to dive into the rich heritage of the brand and explore how the iconic iRock became a go-to choice for fell runners. We also touch on Tony’s own running journey, along with that of his wife Sharon and their son Rory Leonard — who currently holds the record for the fastest British 10K. It’s a mix of running passion, family d...

In this episode of Studmarks, we chat with Calvin Ferguson about his love for Norman Walsh shoes and what makes them a staple in fell running. He also shares insights into his family’s deep ties to the sport, including the legacy of his grandfather, Don Ashton, a respected name in fell running history. Don Ashton Memorial Tockholes Fell Race Thank you for listening. Find us on Facebook and Instagr...

Harry Bolton returns to  Studmarks  to dive into the details of the highly anticipated Ron Hill Freedom Ultra. We discuss the design, performance, and innovation behind this new shoe—how it handles on the trails and what sets it apart. www.ronhill.com/collections/footwear Thank you for listening. Find us on Facebook and Instagram Archive audio- The Next Steps for Running Shoes 1972 Hoste...