The Runna Podcast

What happens when the world’s biggest fitness platform buys one of the fastest-growing running apps?

In this exclusive episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Strava CEO Mike Martin and Runna CEO Dom Maskell to uncover the full story behind the Strava x Runna acquisition - from lockdown side hustle to global fitness tech takeover.

Whether you’re a runner, startup founder, or tech lover, this conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes insights and actionable lessons.

In This Episode:

🚀 How Runna grew from a lockdown side hustle...

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re live from the AJ Bell Great North Run with Paula Radcliffe MBE - world record-breaker, Olympic icon, and one of the greatest distance runners of all time.

From setting the untouchable 2:15:25 marathon world record that stood for 16 years, to winning the AJ Bell Great North Run with a course record, Paula has seen it all. 

Whether you're training for your first half or chasing a PB, this episode is packed with insights from one of the best to ever do it.

We unpack:

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Olympian and Runna Coach Colleen Quigley for a practical coaching episode answering the most common questions runners ask - split across 4 core topics: training hacks, finding balance, recovering after injury, and mindset.

We cover:

🏃‍♀️ Training Hacks - How to structure your week, train smart when time is short, and make sense of heart rate zones

⚖️ Balance - Colleen’s honest take on juggling life, work and running without chasing perfection

🧠 Mentality After Injury - The emotional side of injury, rebuilding confidence, and stay...

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Ayesha McGowan - a history-maker, activist, and rider who didn’t even discover racing until her 20s. From learning to ride fixed gear bikes on city streets to signing with Liv Racing and competing in Europe, Ayesha’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance, purpose, and passion.

In this incredible conversation, we cover:

🚴 Starting from scratch: how Ayesha went from music teacher to pro cyclist

🏁 The underground street race that sparked her competitive spirit

💥 Winning her third-ever race and realising she wanted more...

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Laura Weightman - two-time Olympian, Commonwealth and European medallist, and one of the UK’s all-time fastest women.

From toeing the line at London 2012 as a 21-year-old with everything to prove, to battling brutal injuries that forced her into early retirement, Laura opens up about the highs, the heartbreak and what comes next when your Olympic dream ends.

In this raw and honest conversation, we unpack:

🏃‍♀️ Making the Olympic final at 21 and learning to race without fear

🥉 The behind-the-scenes pressure of stay...

What would you do if you were told, at just 23, that you would almost certainly develop dementia and lose your life within 10 –15 years?

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Jordan Adams, co-founder of The FTD Brothers, who opens up about his extraordinary journey from teenage caregiver to record-breaking fundraiser and endurance runner.

After his mum was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia at just 47, Jordan became her primary carer through the final years of her life. At 23, he took the genetic test himself and learned he carries the same rare gene muta...

Welcome to The Runna Podcast - your home for the most inspiring stories, expert coaching tips, and behind‑the‑scenes insights from the world’s best runners.

Hosted weekly by Ben Parker and Anya Culling, The Runna Podcast dives into the journeys of Olympians, world champions, record‑breakers, and everyday runners chasing extraordinary goals. From mental resilience and training secrets to race‑day stories and funny “would you rather” questions - no topic is off‑limits.

On this channel, you’ll find:

🏃‍♀️ Exclusive interviews with elite athletes & everyday legends

💡 Coaching‑backed tips to help y...

On this week’s episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Richard Whitehead MBE - double Paralympic gold medalist, four-time world champion, and world-record marathoner - to hear how he turned barriers into breakthroughs.

We cover:

👦 Growing up with a disability & discovering sport through swimming and gymnastics

🏃‍♂️ Running his first marathon at 28 - with brand new prosthetics

🌙 Secret training runs, battling self-doubt & running 26.2 miles for charity

🥇 Winning double gold in the 200m sprint at London 2012 & Rio 2016

🌍 Fighting for inclusion: why representation matters for 16 million people in the UK with a...

At just 17 years old, Marcus Skeet, known online as The Hull Boy, became the youngest person ever to run the full length of the UK (LEJOG): 837 miles from Land’s End to John o’ Groats.

But the real story isn’t about the miles - it’s about why he ran them.

After his dad was diagnosed with early-onset dementia, Marcus spiralled into severe OCD, intrusive thoughts, and depression. He couldn’t leave his room for six months. At 14, he attempted to take his life.

Then one day, Marcus went for a walk...

This week on The Runna Podcast, Ben and Anya break down the 12 most common mistakes runners make, from training to racing, recovery to mindset, and how to avoid them.

Whether you’re new to running or chasing a new PB, this episode is packed with professional coaching tips to help you train smarter, race better, and recover stronger.

We cover:

❌ The training mistake nearly every runner makes in January

⚡ The mindset shift that will make your running way more enjoyable

🚨 Race-day habits to ditch if you want to actual...

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by two-time Olympian Elise Cranny and American record holder in the indoor 5000m.

From her breakthrough moment as a college athlete at Stanford to representing Team USA in both Tokyo and Paris, Elise opens up about the mental shifts that transformed her career and the mindset it took to not just reach the top, but stay there.

Mindset has the power to make or break your running - whether you’re just starting out or racing at the highest level. Tune in for tips that coul...

In this week’s episode of The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Aimee Fuller, two-time Winter Olympian, X Games trailblazer, and now one of the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting.

We cover everything from:

🎿 The “love and passion” that gave Aimee the ability to chase her Snowboarding Olympic dreams and land the first ever women’s double backflip

🎤 Finding purpose in broadcasting and the stories of others

🏃‍♀️ Discovering running as an outlet post-retirement and falling in love with it at the London Marathon

🧠 The mental strength she gained from elite sport...

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Alexandra Bell, Olympic 800m finalist and one of British athletics’ most resilient middle-distance runners.

We unpack:

📞 What it felt like getting the call up to compete in Tokyo just one week before the Olympics

 🚧 Stepping away from the track and proving herself in longer distances

 🌱 Exploring her identity beyond running and finding out who she is beyond it

 🔥 What excites her most now she’s retired from track

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to rate, follow, and share...

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Dominique Scott, a two-time Olympian, five-time NCAA champion, and one of South Africa’s fastest-ever distance runners.

From her early running days in South Africa to competing on the world stage, Dominique shares insights into her journey through collegiate dominance, professional racing, and Olympic competition.

We unpack:

🏃‍♀️ Growing up in South Africa and finding her passion for distance running

🎓 Taking a risk and moving to Arkansas to follow her dreams

✨ What it took to become a five-time NCAA cha...

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Dame Flora Duffy. Flora is an Olympic gold medallist, 5x Olympian, and the most decorated athlete in Bermuda’s history.

From her childhood on a 21-square-mile island to making history in Tokyo, Flora reflects on a career defined by relentless resilience, off-road domination, and representing her country.

We unpack:

🏊‍♀️ How discovering triathlon at 7 in Bermuda changed her life

 🏆 Winning WTS, XTERRA & Cross Triathlon World Titles in the same year

🥇 The story behind Bermuda’s first Olympic gold, and the day her...

What does it take to run 50 marathons in 50 states all in one year and then follow it with 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days? 

On this episode of The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Wyatt Moss, whose pursuit to “live the greatest day ever, every day” took him across the globe. 

From missing flights and running out of money, to pushing his grandma across the finish line in a wheelchair, Wyatt’s story is one of grit, hustle and unstoppable passion. 

We unpack:

🏃 50 Marathons in 50 States: How Wyatt ran one marathon e...

What does it take to go from Olympic rejection to becoming the fastest woman to ever win Ironman Kona?

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Lucy Charles-Barclay, the 2023 Ironman World Champion and Kona course record holder.

From missing out on the 2012 Olympics as a competitive swimmer and being rejected for a British pro triathlon licence, to finishing 2nd at Ironman Kona four times before finally claiming the crown—Lucy’s story is the definition of mental resilience.

We unpack:

 🥇 Winning Kona in the fastest time ever and i...

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by entrepreneur, ultramarathoner, and media powerhouse Randi Zuckerberg, fresh off completing her sixth World Marathon Major in Tokyo.

As CEO of Zuckerberg Media, mother of three, and now a Cocodona 250 trainee, Randi opens up about what running has taught her—not just about physical endurance, but about presence, perseverance, and the joy of showing up even when motivation runs dry.

We unpack:

Her path to becoming a 6-Star Finisher, including 16 marathons and 11 ultras 🏃‍♀️ The leap from entrepreneur to ultrarunner: how running helped her navigate...

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Romesh Ranganathan, fresh off the finish line of his second London Marathon.

World-renowned comedian Romesh takes us behind the scenes of his marathon journey—from training to race day antics. He shares how his relationship with running has evolved, from hating school cross-country to completing his second marathon. Along the way, he set personal targets—and had some hilariously unhinged conversations you won’t want to miss.

We unpack:

🏁 “It was better than any other career highlight” – Romesh reflects on the full marathon e...

What happens when you don’t just challenge expectations—but set out to break the rules entirely?

In this episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Oli Paterson (aka El Burrito) just days after running a 2:52 marathon. Having turned his life around from addiction and weighing 135kg, Oli is now on a mission to defy the limits that coaches, data, and even physics claim a 100kg+ runner can achieve. He proves that not being built like a typical runner doesn’t define your speed, strength, or potential. With an outlandish, daring, and fiercely competitive mindse...

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Cal Calamia—a California-based marathoner, educator, activist, and now the first non-binary athlete in history to podium at all six World Marathon Majors.

After stepping away from collegiate running, Cal returned not just to compete, but to transform the sport. With their podium finish in London on April 27th 2025, they’ve now made history —all while advocating for inclusive race categories they helped build.

In this episode, we explore Cal’s incredible journey including:

🏅 Historic Podiums – Podium finishes at NYC, London, Tokyo, Boston...

Recorded live from the Runna Race Hub, this special episode of The Runna Podcast dives into the LDN Marathon with Anya Culling–elite runner, Runna coach and lululemon ambassador.

We unpack every part of race day—from Anya’s championship start to crowd highlights, emotional moments, and how she executed her race plan to perfection on what turned out to be a hot and testing day for all runners. She shares how training went, her favourite on-course moments, top recovery tips, and what might be next on her racing calendar.

Whether you ran, specta...

How do you build a mindset so powerful that nothing life throws at you can hold you back?

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by the unstoppable Helen Skelton—broadcaster, adventurer, mum of three, and true superwoman. Known for saying yes to the wildest challenges—from kayaking 2,010 miles solo down the Amazon to cycling to the South Pole—Helen has become an inspiration for what’s possible when you refuse to let fear or difficulty stand in your way.

Think of the craziest challenge? Helen’s probably done it. As she gets rea...

The countdown is on! With just 48 hours to go until the London Marathon, what really matters most?

In this short episode of The Runna Podcast, pro marathoner Anya Culling and coach Ben Parker cover everything you could want to know in the final two days before race day—delivered in just 8 essential tips. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned marathoner, this is your go-to checklist for feeling prepared, confident, and ready to enjoy every mile.

We break down food, kit, mindset, logistics, and give you the final advice you need to enjo...

From one event with 13 runners to a global movement that’s transformed lives—this is the story of how parkrun came to be.

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Paul Sinton-Hewitt, the founder of parkrun, to hear the inspiring story behind one of the world’s most powerful community movements.

What started as a small time trial during a difficult period in Paul’s life became a lifeline—not just for him, but for millions around the world.

🏃‍♂️ The Birth of parkrun – How injury and isolation led to an idea that would r...

Answering every question you could possibly have ahead of your next marathon!

This week on The Runna Podcast, we bring you the ultimate pre-marathon race guide, packed with tangible, actionable advice from pro marathon runner Anya Culling and Head Coach Ben Parker.

We’re joined by Izzy, who’s gearing up for her upcoming 26.2 miles. She shares how she’s feeling, what she’s nervous about, and asks the exact questions so many runners—whether it’s your first marathon or your 100th—are thinking.

We break down:

🥞 How to fuel prope...

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Ben Felton, the chef-turned-runner who’s bridging the gap between elite athlete and content creator. With a 66-minute half marathon PB and a 2:24 marathon, Ben doesn’t just run fast—he captures it all on film, offering rare first-person insights into the world of high-performance racing.

🔥 A behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to train and race like an elite athlete—while filming every step of the way (running 3:08/km splits)

👟 Unfiltered, honest gear reviews from someone who’s tested nearly every carbon-plated shoe out there

🎥...

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Ben Felton, the chef-turned-runner who’s bridging the gap between elite athlete and content creator. With a 66-minute half marathon PB and a 2:24 marathon, Ben doesn’t just run fast—he captures it all on film, offering rare first-person insights into the world of high-performance racing.

🔥 A behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to train and race like an elite athlete—while filming every step of the way (running 3:08/km splits)

👟 Unfiltered, honest gear reviews from someone who’s tested nearly every carbon-plated shoe out there

🎥...

What happens when doctors say you'll never run again—and you go on to complete 30 marathons, 7 ultramarathons, and a 100K race?

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Latoya Shauntay Snell. From working as a chef in New York City to facing chronic illness and being forced to stop, Latoya’s story is one of resilience and redefining what’s possible.

💥 Defying the Odds – From a life-changing diagnosis to completing 30 marathons, 7 ultramarathons, and a 100K race.

 🔥 Her Fighting Spirit – Using every finish line to prove the doubters wrong and show what true stre...

In this week’s episode of The Runna Podcast, we sit down with the hilarious Joel Dommett—comedian, TV presenter, and marathon runner! Best known as the host of The Masked Singer, Joel has a knack for making us laugh and captivating us on screen. But did you know that he also took on the challenge of running the London Marathon in a full piranha costume? Yep, you heard that right!

From his comedic roots to becoming a household name, Joel’s journey has been anything but conventional. We dive into his experience running for charity, his me...

What does it take to turn tragedy into triumph?

This week on The Runna Podcast, we sit down with Billy Monger—a racing prodigy turned endurance athlete whose resilience has shattered expectations. At just 10 years old, Billy was a rising star in motorsport, winning the British Championship and competing in British F4. But in 2017, at just 17 years old, his life changed in an instant after a high-speed crash at Donington Park left him in a coma for three days and resulted in the amputation of both legs.

Rather than letting his st...

This week on The Runna Podcast, in honour of International Women’s Day, we’re joined by Lola Anderson—Olympic gold medalist, World Champion, and a powerhouse in women’s sport. From 13-year-old Lola watching London 2012, dreaming of Olympic glory, to the final winning stroke in Paris, we unravel the journey of turning a childhood dream into reality—and everything that came with it.

🚣 A race for the ages – Lola takes us inside the intense battle for Olympic gold, the nail-biting final moments, and the unbelievable finish that left the world in awe.

🏆 Overcoming setbacks – Lola op...

How do you come back from a career-threatening injury when giving up isn’t an option? This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Tim Don—a two-time Olympian, four-time World Champion, and the man who set the Ironman World Record in 2017 before a devastating accident changed his life.

Days before the 2017 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Tim was hit by a truck while cycling, breaking his neck. Instead of surgery, he chose an extreme recovery method—the halo brace, a metal frame drilled into his skull—giving himself the best chance of returning to elite comp...

What does it take to run 572km across all 11 London Underground lines in just 11 days? Or cover 960km across the UK and Ireland’s capitals in the same amount of time? This week on the Runna Podcast, we sit down with Jonny Davies, a true ultra-running champion whose dedication to both endurance sports and mental health advocacy has left an indelible mark on the running world.

Jonny’s incredible feats of endurance have included: 

🏃‍♂️ Completing the London Underground challenge: 572km in 11 days with over 8,500 meters of elevation gain. 

🏙️ Running 960km across the capitals of the...

What if your greatest athletic achievements came after having triplets? This week on the Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Clare Elms, a multi-time world record holder and one of the most dominant Masters runners of all time.

Despite discovering her talent later in life, Clare has gone on to:

🏆 Win five European indoor gold medals and multiple world records.

⏱️ Break the W60 Mile World Record with an incredible 5:26.13.

🇬🇧 Set 14 UK age-group records

🏃‍♀️ Dominate ParkRun—she’s been the fastest female finisher in all 158 ParkRuns she’s done!

In this episode, we t...

This week on the Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Steph Elswood—former professional dancer and soon-to-be mom. During a challenging period navigating an eating disorder, Steph turned to social media as an outlet for accountability and healing. What started as a personal journey has grown into a vibrant, safe space for healthy living, positivity, and joy. Steph now uses her platform to inspire others, sharing her experiences of living alcohol-free, embracing running for pure joy, and cultivating balance in life.

We talked about:

💃 Life in the Spotlight: From starting as a professional dancer at 14 t...

What does it take to go from thinking you’ve run your last race to standing on the Olympic podium? Today on the Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Georgia Hunter Bell, Olympic bronze medalist and National record holder. Georgia’s journey is anything but ordinary and we unpacked it all…

What we spoke about:

🌟 The Lowest Point: How Georgia’s dream seemed over after stress fractures, injuries, and an identity crisis during her U.S. scholarship experience, leading her to leave running behind for the corporate world.

🔥 Her Astonishing Comeback: From quitting th...

Today on the Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Deo Kato, a Ugandan-born trail runner, coach, and campaigner, who has completed an incredible journey running over 12,000km from Cape Town to London. Deo’s monumental journey was driven by a purpose: to retrace the history of human migration from Africa to the rest of the world. By doing this, Deo campaigned to end racism and show the world that all humans migrated from Africa.

We talked about:

🌍 Tracing Human History: How Deo’s journey brought to life the story of human migration from Africa to the re...

Today on the Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Alex Yee, Olympic champion, British triathlete, and a true embodiment of resilience and love for sport. Alex’s journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring—marked by humility, grit, and an unyielding passion for triathlon.

We talked about:

🌟 The Humble Champion: How Alex’s love for triathlon fuels his journey and keeps him grounded, even at the pinnacle of success

🥇 Inside His Olympic Victory: The mental battles during his iconic gold-medal fight against Hayden Wilde—moments of depletion, disbelief, and the ultimate decision to seize his chance...

Today on the Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Colleen Quigley, an Olympic steeplechaser, model, and our very own Runna coach who embodies resilience and balance in both sport and life. Known for her iconic “Fast Braid Fridays,” Colleen shares her journey of grit and growth—on and off the track.

We talked about: