Young Hearts Run Free Podcast

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We welcome legendary runner Chris Finill to the podcast. Chris, a long-time member of Harrow Athletic Club, takes us through his remarkable journey, from being inspired by Olympic champions living on his childhood street to his transition from track events to ultra-marathons. We discuss his famous streak of consecutive sub-3 hour marathons, the debate over modern shoe technology, his experience ru...

In this incredibly open and honest episode, we sit down with guest Caroline McKay for a chat that spans her roots on the Isle of Mull, and the profound emotional journey that led her to ultra running. Caroline shares her recent success at the California Fall Classic and the powerful motivation she carries with her on the trails. Caroline reveals she "hated running" early in life and disc...

We've reached the halfway point of Season 14, and this week, we're joined by ultra-runner Dave Moulding! Dave's running journey proves you don't need to be fit—just well-costumed. Dave takes us from his "unhealthiest, least fit period" , which involved running a 10K dressed as The Stig (complete with a paper mâché helmet) , and then wearing it for 8 hours in the pub after...

Welcome back for the episode you've all been waiting for! This week, the hosts dive into a tale of extreme physical endurance, mental warfare, and sacrificed beards. John gives us the full, chaotic debrief from his 100-mile attempt on the Mark Cockbain 400 metre track event, while Steven wonders if shaving your face is a viable streamlining tactic for ultraunning. We dive head-first to "The Chilli...

In this milestone episode, John Robb returns for his third appearance on the show to share how he conquered Scotland’s legendary Triple Crown—three ultra races in one year: the Highland Fling, the West Highland Way Race, and Devil o’ the Highlands. From frog-dodging night runs to training peaks pranks, John’s story is packed with grit, laughs, and heart. Your hosts dive into his transformation fro...

"Each day, regardless of what happened, each day was a new day and it was just reset and start again." Gilly Marshall - October 2025 Have you ever faced a challenge so tough it left you wondering if you had what it takes? Do you walk away, or do you go back for more? In this incredibly inspiring episode, we sit down with the phenomenal Gilly Marshall, a cornerstone of the Scottish ultra-running co...

Join us as we dive into the wild world of ultra running with Jack Chamberlain—Austrian Alps trailblazer, former live music bar owner and Mozart 100 champion. From his first epic run with “Crazy Dave” (we all know a Crazy Dave, right?) to racing the legendary UTMB, Jack shares raw stories of triumph, setbacks, and survival in the mountains. Discover the secrets behind his training and nutrition, an...

Four Scots. Seven days. One unforgettable adventure. Join Bobby, James, Allan, and Scott as they take on the Pyrenees Stage Run — 220km of mountains, mishaps, and memories. This episode dives into the heart of camaraderie: from missed registrations and travel chaos to bunk bed banter, altitude struggles, and the power of a good laugh. Hear how teamwork, inside jokes, and unwavering support carried...

In this episode, we chat with Scottish ultra-running legend Izzy Cairns (née Knox). After a two-year wait, Izzy finally joins the podcast to share her incredible journey. She talks about her childhood love for running, from being timed by her auntie to joining her first club in Peebles. Izzy opens up about a life-altering accident at 21 that doctors said would end her competitive career, and her p...

Join Steven, John, and guest Kyle Wilson for an inspiring episode of the Young Hearts Run Free podcast! Kyle shares his journey from football and boxing to becoming a top Scottish ultrarunner, revealing how he tackled his first marathon with just three weeks’ notice, learned the ropes of ultra-distance racing, and battled through setbacks to podium at the West Highland Way Race. Expect stories of...

Lace up for a wild ride as John and Steven welcome ultra-runner Iain Bethune, who went from chasing his runaway dog to conquering 200-mile races and setting Scottish backyard ultra records. Iain shares how he balances family life with four kids, a full-time job, and a running obsession that’s taken him from lunchtime jogs to winning the 2025 edition of the renowned Race Across Scotland. Expect hil...

Welcome to the opening episode of Season 14, a.k.a. "The Hunner"—where everything’s coming up 100s! John and Stevie Boy kick things off with Marc Laithwaite, the mastermind behind the Lakeland 50 & 100, for another plunge into the world of our fav ultra-running festival, event origins, and the legendary tales (and themes) that make the Lakeland races so iconic. Ahead of the 2026 ballot entries...

In this gripping season finale, Steven and John welcome Scott Brown—ultra runner, coach, and all-round endurance powerhouse. Scott dives deep into his recent record-setting West Highland Way double: a 192-mile out-and-back run in searing heat, completed in just over 44 hours without a single minute of sleep. Hear how Scott battled sickness, hallucinations, and relentless terrain, all while support...

This week Steven and John welcome David Scott back to the podcast. David opens by sharing his ongoing work with the Fit Like Joggers Couch to 5K program, reflecting on the hundreds of runners he’s helped start their journey. The conversation quickly turns to the main topic, David’s recent adventure of running the Everest Marathon. David explains his lifelong fascination with Nepal and the Himalaya...

Join your fav hosts, John and Stevie Boy, on this special episode of Young Hearts Run Free as they welcome the phenomenal Caroline Turner, the triumphant 2025 winner of the Lakeland 50 ultra-marathon! From a 9th-place finish in 2019 to a dominant first-place victory, Caroline’s story is one of determination, hard work, and a love for the trails. In her very first podcast experience, this self-conf...

From running round football pitches to running round a whole island, how does that happen? Join us as we talk to the incredible Viki Smith, who recently achieved "legend status" by running the entire circumference of Menorca! Viki shares her inspiring journey tackling the gruelling 185km (115-mile) Trail Menorca Camí de Cavalls race in May 2025.  From a casual holiday run to a full-blown ultra-mar...

What does it take to run the length of an entire archipelago, facing down the wild Atlantic winds with every step? Wildheart and endurance athlete Muriel Dempsie joins us to recount her monumental run along the Hebridean Way in June 2025. While many choose to cycle this iconic route, Muriel took onthe ultimate challenge: traversing all 185 miles (297 km) across 10 islands on foot. This is a story...

What does a Sunday morning long run have in common with a church service? Where would you hear Jasmin Paris and the Barkley marathons mentioned in an inspirational sermon? In this unique and inspiring episode, we sit down with The Right Reverend Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, the Bishop of Newcastle, to explore the profound and often surprising links between the physical discipline of running and the spiri...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with ultra-runninglegend Marco Consani as he revisits his monumental 2014 victory at the Lakeland 100. Marco delves into the meticulous preparation, the mental battles, and the unforgettable moments that led him to conquer one of the UK's toughestultra-marathons. From tactical insights to personal reflections, this episode offers a unique look into what it tak...

In this episode we welcome back Debbie Martin Consani, a living legend of ultra-running and multi-time GB/Scotland international. Debbie’s impressive career, includes wins at races like the Montane Winter Spine Race, Lakeland 100, and Thames Path 100. Debbie’s most recent race finish was at at the 2025 Western States 100 – a legendary 100-mile endurance run, finishing in 27:16:48, 155th overall an...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Iain Dick, whorecently completed the formidable 2025 Cape Wrath Ultra! Iain will take us on an incredible journey through 400km of the Scottish Highlands, sharing the highs, lows, and unforgettable moments of this epic 8-day expedition race. We'll delve into the physical and mental challenges of one of the UK's toughest ultras, discover what it ta...

In this episode, we dive into the incredible journeys of Gillian McGale and Catherine Cowie as they recount their experiences in the gruelling Montane Summer Spine Race 2025. From personal milestones to overcoming physical and mental challenges, their stories are a testament to resilience and determination. The Montane Summer Spine Race is a grueling, non-stop ultra-marathon covering the entire 26...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with the incredible Ben Harrison, who recently dominated the gruelling Beyond the Ultimate Highland Ultra in Knoydart, Scotland! Ben, a seasoned ultra-runner, shares his insights and experiences from tackling one of the UK's most remote and challenging multi-day races. From battling the elements in the rugged Scottish Highlands to the mental fortitude requ...

This week, join your hosts JC and Stevie Boy as they kick things off with some usual banter, catching you up on all the latest happenings before welcoming a well known face of the Scottish running scene: Billy Gibson! Hailing from Dundee, proud Hawkhill Harrier Billy is renowned for his feats in ultra-marathons and longer distances. But for Billy, running isn't just about personal bests, racing an...