Dejon Noel-Williams: Running, Mental Health & the London Marathon

In this episode of the UKRunChat Podcast, we chat to Dejon Noel-Williams—personal trainer, reality TV personality, and founder of London run club Vibe Tribe—as he prepares to take on his first marathon.

Dejon shares how running went from being a “punishment” during his football career to becoming a powerful tool for coping with grief and loneliness while living abroad. That experience ultimately inspired him to create Vibe Tribe, a welcoming and inclusive run community built on connection, support, and “0% ego, 100% vibes.”

We also dive into his marathon training journey, including adapting to barefoot-style running, balancing a busy schedule, and why he’s choosing to run for experience over time. Plus, he opens up about mental health, handling public scrutiny, and why movement is such a powerful force for change.

We chat about

Dejon’s journey from football to running
How grief and isolation in Spain led him to running
The power of community and connection through Vibe Tribe
Building an inclusive run club (“no ego, just vibes”)
Training for the London Marathon in barefoot shoes
Fuel strategy: Precision Fuel & electrolytes
Marathon mindset: choosing joy over pressure
Supporting Sports in Mind
Running and mental health
Advice for first-time marathon runners

Follow Dejon on Instagram & TikTok & Vibe Tribe Run Club