By Toria Cox
If you’re an active member of the marathon running community, then you will have almost certainly heard of the UK’s #1 running podcast: Marathon Talk. If you haven’t and you’re a keen runner, then we recommend you check it out!
We were over the moon when founder of Marathon Talk and co-founder and coach of Yelling Performance, Martin Yelling, contacted us to organise the 6th annual Marathon Talk Run Camp at Mount Cook! Run Camp is a yearly opportunity for eager runners to get together, share some running stories, connect with old friends and make new ones.
Friday 22nd February arrived and 129 runners descended on Mount Cook prepared for an active weekend in the Peak District with Martin, former training partner of Paula Radcliffe. Over the course of the weekend, the runners completed the Bakewell parkrun, a group coached run on the High Peak Trail and the Carsington Water Half Marathon - phew!
We caught up with Martin, post-Marathon Talk Run Camp, to hear his thoughts on the weekend…
Q: We were really excited to host your 6th annual Marathon Talk Run Camp at Mount Cook. What was the highlight of the weekend for you?
A: Everyone really enjoyed the weekend. The weather was stunning and this really helped. We ran Bakewell parkrun, did a lovely run on the High Peak Trail and then ran around Carsington Water. The highlight for us is always seeking our Marathon Talk community meet old friends and make new ones.
Q: We had over 120 keen runners stay with us that weekend, which was fantastic. What makes the Run Camps so popular, and what kind of impact does it have upon the runners who attend?
A: For us at Marathon Talk our annual run camp is a chance for our community to get together and do what they love together! That’s go running, laugh, eat and drink together. Our run camps are really social, really inclusive, friendly and fun. We hope the runners that come run as much as they want to, however they want to and leave smiling!
Q: We saw on Twitter that you did the Bakewell Parkrun on the Saturday, which achieved a record turnout of 400 people thanks to your group’s attendance. How important, do you think, Parkrun is to society as a whole?
A: Parkrun is an important movement that uses running to build many important social, health and community aspects. Its growth is both impressive and important and we’re pleased to support it however we can.
Q: We were thrilled that the Marathon Talk Run Camp appeared in episode 477 of your Marathon Talk podcast. Can you tell us about your podcast, when it began and your motivation for starting it?
A: We’ve been producing Marathon Talk for the last 9 years. When we founded the show, it filled a gap in terms of runners being able to consume up-to-date and meaningful content whilst they run. Now it’s become more about sharing inspiring running stories, helping people improve their running, if that’s what they want from it, and growing a supportive and inclusive running community.
Q: Finally, do you have any advice for anyone who would like to get into running? Are there any future events beginner runners can book onto?
A: Parkrun is the best event opportunity for beginners. Take it slowly. Be patient. Reflect on what running does for you, in your life, trust the gradual process and most of all enjoy participation without judgement or comparison.