Young Hearts Run Free Podcast

What does it take to run the entire length of Scotland?
In this powerful episode of the Young Hearts Run FreePodcast, we sit down with Gregor Yates, who completed anextraordinary challenge: running roughly 415 miles from Kirk Yetholm to CapeWrath, covering a marathon a day for 17 consecutive days.
But this wasn’t just about endurance.
Gregor took on this journey in memory of his mum and toraise funds for Strathcarron Hospice, turning grief into purpose and miles into meaning.
🏃‍♂️ In this episode, we cover:
How Gregor went from 2:21 marathon runner to multi-day ultra challenge
Planning and navigating St Cuthberts Way, the Scottish National Trail, West Highland Way & Cape Wrath terrain
The physical toll: injury, fatigue, and running through pain
Fuel, kit, and what it’s like running with a pack for the first time
The emotional side of running in memory of a loved one
Finding joy beyond pace, numbers, and PBs
💬 A moment that says it all:
“If I could keep one running memory for the rest of my life, it would be this.”
📍 Follow Gregor’s journey:
Instagram: @trossachs_trails
Support the fundraiser

You go out for a casual 5K during lockdown to clear your head, and suddenly you wake up a few years later with a 96-mile trail race on your calendar. Classic mistake.

This week, Steven is joined by Callum Clarke to chat about his absolutely rapid, slightly chaotic, and totally inspiring rise through the running ranks. Callum went from chasing a football around to knocking out a casual ~2:50 road marathon in Paris, before realizing his true calling was getting muddy on the trails.
We’re getting into the weeds on:
The "Accidental" Ultra Runner: How a daily 5K challenge snowballed into top-10 finishes at brutal events like the Devil of the Highlands.
The School of Hard Knocks: Honest chat about the early disasters—pacing screw-ups, fueling fails, and learning the hard way that you can't just wing a 50-miler.
Enter Coach Fiona: How getting some proper adult supervision (aka structured coaching) saved him from overtraining and actually got him focusing on... stretching? Who knew.
The Big Dance: With the iconic West Highland Way race just four weeks away, we look at Callum’s master plan—from back-to-back hill smashers on Arran to sorting out a support crew that can tolerate him for 96 miles.
Grab a brew, lace up, and get this one in your lugs!

Callums Fundraiser for Prostate Cancer

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