Young Hearts Run Free Podcast

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, and find out about his 'friend of the show ' coach. Listen in to hear about the friendships, mishaps, and music that fuel his journey.It's a classic YHRF episode with Jack freely giving us insight into life at the front of the pack. An episode packed with hunners of inspiration, a dousing of honesty, and, of course, a few laughs you won’t want to miss!

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 them through epic climbs, wild descents, and every challenge the Pyrenees could throw at them.If you love stories of friendship, resilience, and the magic that happens when you stick together, this is the episode for you.Bonus material, find out who really won by 11 seconds!!Link to Pyrenees Stage Run Website - www.psr.run

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 powerful determination to run again. We discuss Izzy's progression from 10Ks to marathons and the Dean Karnazes book that sparked her passion for ultra-marathons. Izzy shares memorable stories from her five Berlin 100-milers, the pride of becoming a Scottish 100K champion, and her plans for a road marathon in Malaga and another 100-miler in Chester.As mentioned in the episode Izzys Jedburgh Ultra race report

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 wild sprint finishes, training tips, fuelling mishaps, and the camaraderie of the Greenock Glenpark Harriers.Plus, hear about Kyle’s future ambitions, race-day rituals, and the power of a good support crew. This episode is packed with motivation, practical advice, and plenty of laughs for runners of all levels.

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 hilarious tales of sleep deprivation, competitive couple dynamics, and fueling up on Kendall Mint Cake and crunchy peanut butter. Plus, find out why “auto-magical” is now in the dialect dictionary and why Chesney Hawkes is the ultimate running anthem. This episode is packed with laughs, inspiration, and enough trail wisdom to get you razzing around the block—or maybe signing up for your own ultra!

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 opening expect stories about million-pound charity milestones, Uncle Terry’s unexpected celebrity status, and why Marc will never, ever run his own race (unless someone invents a Wi-Fi-enabled running vest).Whether you’re a seasoned Lakelander or just here for the banter, this launch episode sets the pace for a season packed with all things “hunner”—from finish lines to fundraising, and everything in between. Lace up, tune in, and remember... you’re the real theme this season!

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 supported by a dedicated crew and inspired by the memory of John Kynaston. From nutrition strategies and mental tactics to emotional family moments at the finish, this episode is a raw, inspiring look at what it takes to push human limits on Scotland’s most iconic trail.Project Back to Back Video

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 Himalayas, describing how the Everest Marathon became the perfect way to mark his milestone birthday. He details the journey: flying into Kathmandu, then to the precarious Lukla airport, followed by an 11-day trek through tea houses to acclimatize for the high-altitude challenge. He highlights the beauty of the trail—no vehicles, just yaks, horses, and footpaths—and the importance of gradual acclimatization, sharing stories of fellow trekkers who battled altitude sickness but persevered.Arriving at Everest Base Camp, David describes the emotional impact of seeing Everest up close and the privilege of staying at the camp among mountaineers returning from the summit. On marathon day, he joins 200 runners at the start line, facing a course that, despite its net downhill, features over 1,200 meters of climbing, rocky steps, suspension bridges, and dramatic scenery. David recounts the physical challenge of running at altitude, the camaraderie among participants, and the unique experience of running in a kilt. He finds motivation in running alongside a new friend, Adela, and together they cross the finish line in Namche Bazaar.The episode closes with David reflecting on the sense of achievement and the supportive atmosphere at the finish, where all 200 starters completed the race. He celebrates participants determination in finishing despite struggles and encourages listeners to pursue their own “Everest,” whatever that may be. He shares the Nepalese word “pastari” (slowly, slowly) as a reminder to be patient and present, before choosing a belter of a song choice for the current playlist.

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-confessed late bloomer and busy mum opens up about her entire running journey. She shares the secrets behind her winning strategy for the Lakeland 50, the training regime that got her there, and the coaching inspiration that fueled her success. Plus, she gives invaluable tips for runners of all levels, and dishes on her go-to kit recommendations.Tune in to hear about her incredible running career, from representing England and Team GB to conquering the trails, and find out what's next for this true running powerhouse!

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-marathon challenge, hear about the highs, the lows, and the sheer determination it took to complete this epic feat in just 34 hours and 51 minutes, finishing first in her V50 category.We chat about:How a holiday run sparked the idea to take on Menorca's ancient horse path, the Camí de Cavalls.Viki talks about about the difficulty of a 185km ultra-marathon and the 100 days she had to prepare.The brutal beauty of the Camí de Cavalls, including its varied terrain (rocky, sandy, woodland), elevation changes (around 3500m D+), and facing over 10 hours of darkness.The moments of doubt and physical struggle, including wishing for running poles, and how Viki found the mental fortitude to keep going.The importance of her 'support team' Andy and Dale, in planning and executing this foreign racing adventure. The overwhelming emotion of completing the full circuit of Menorca and earning "legend status." What's next for Viki after conquering such a monumental challenge.Viki's advice for anyone considering taking on an ultra-marathon or a similar long-distance trail.Trail Menorca Camí de CavallsGreenock Glenpark Harriers