Young Hearts Run Free Podcast

This week on Young Hearts Run Free, we’re joined by our Yorkshire Correspondent Mel Sykes to unpack her incredible run at the Ultra Trail Snowdonia 100K.
After a last-minute entry, brutal Welsh mountain conditions and some seriously technical terrain, Mel powered her way to a🥉 3rd female finish in 19:41:53.
Expect:
Wild weather, boulder fields & midnight (ish) finishes
The moment everything turns from “just a run” into a podium battle
A full breakdown of pacing, fuelling (yes… gels AND Twix), and race tactics
Honest reflections on confidence, mindset and finding your drive
Plus: chaotic intros, Yorkshire banter, and why coloured head torches might be the future of racing.
Tune in for laughs, lessons, and one seriously inspiring performance.
“I don’t like racing… but I liked that bit.” Mel Sykes 2026

It’s a just the two of us Steven and John special this week with a fun packed catch up episode.
We kick off recapping the launch of the Auchterarder Running Festival 2026, where the 10K has already sold out and limited places remain for the Double Dare, while entries for the Half Marathon are still open. This year’s theme? New York City baby🍎
Sensational news on the merch front too… YHRF is dropping its first-ever technical running t-shirt, Scotland-inspired, seriously limited and available to pre order from 7pm on Sunday 17 May. First come, first served! tune in for the details!
We also celebrate the incredible Megan Boxall, who has just completed 200 marathons in 200 days around the UK 👏
The main feature we cover is a dive aff the top board into John’s prep for the Spine Challenger South (just the 108 miles!):
With race day fast approaching, John shares where he’s at physically and mentally, and also...what comes next. We also cover his fundraising efforts and discuss his growing hair, which quite frankly is getting oot oh control! And we love it!
Plus: Kit chat and why the Pennine Way might not be as brutal as everyone says......have we been lied tae?
Sign up for ARF
Megan Boxall Tracker (Completed it mate!)
JC's Fundraiser for CALM
Spine Race Womens Webinar

From Couch to 5K to Race DirectorKayleigh Webster joins us to share the story behind the inaugural Beecraigs Backyard Ultra — a sell-out event built on community, grit, and pure love of running.🔑 Highlights🏃 What a backyard ultra really is (last one standing!)💡 How Beecraigs BYU came to life🔥 150 places sold out in 22 days💯 19 runners hit 100 miles🥇 Craig McQueen takes the win💛 Why It MattersEveryone starts tied for firstCommunity is greater than competitionOrdinary people doing extraordinary things“You’re only limited by the limits you set yourself.” Kayleigh Webster 2026🔮 What’s next?Beecraigs BYU is likely back for 2027, and demand will be BIG 👀
Connect with Kayleigh
Website: runsmileinspire.com
Instagram: @run.smile.inspire and @thehappydietMegan Boxall Run Britain Tracker

From a cancer diagnosis at 17 to the relentless hills of Newton, Karl Hodgson joins us for a deep dive into the grit, the gear, and the no-filter reality of the 2026 Boston Marathon.
This isn't just a race recap; it’s a masterclass in perspective. Karl opens up about how running shifted his life path and why, sometimes, a 2:50:37 in Boston is worth more than any flat-course PB.
Inside the Episode:
The Boston Breakdown: Why the downhill start is a trap and how the Newton Hills actually feel at mile 20.
Health & Resilience: Life after Hodgkin’s lymphoma and why running is about more than just medals.
The Six Star Accident: How Karl ended up chasing the majors without ever actually planning to.
Training vs. Reality: Juggling night shifts, injury scares, and the psychological spiral of race week.
Behind the Mic: Podcast rivalries, merch, and why we do this for the love of the running community.
"Boston is harder than it looks—by a long way. Structure helps, but context matters." - Karl Hodgson 2026

Megan Boxall Runs Britain Tracker

In this episode, Steven and John are joined by Lewis Bowness, a Lake District based fell and ultra runner whose journey from village fell races to winning the Lakeland 50 and podium‑finishing at the Arc of Attrition is nothing short of inspiring.
Lewis shares how growing up in the Lake District shaped his love for running, the influence of his family, and how fell running became normal from an early age. The conversation explores coaching, mindset, resilience, racing tactics, community rivalries, and what it really takes to step up to the sharp end of ultra running.
This is a deep‑dive into progression, patience, humility, and learning to thrive in both the highs and the hard days.
That’s when you thank yourself for all those dark January runs - Lewis Bowness