Are you a grassroots club, helping people to get physically active and build stronger, more inclusive communities? The ISPO Impact Foundation has launched a global call for urgent grant applications, opening a 30-day window that closes on June 30, 2026. Backed by an annual €1 million commitment from ISPO, the world’s leading sports and outdoor trade fair, this newly established foundation channels vital funding directly to non-profit organisations delivering real impact on the ground. The fund is designed to harness the power of outdoor recreation and sport as a force for a healthier planet and more active, inclusive communities. Time is critical for organisations seeking support. Applications are open to charities worldwide for exactly one month, with all submissions due before the June 30th deadline. By backing innovative projects and building partnerships across the sector, the foundation aims to catalyse systemic change, protecting and restoring the natural environments we all depend on while inspiring wider participation for generations to come. Funding is specifically targeted at two critical areas: Regeneration, which focuses on initiatives that protect and restore the planet's vital natural environments, and Participation, which backs projects that get people physically active and build stronger, more inclusive communities. Financial support is structured across four distinct levels to meet organisations where they are, offering grants from €2,000 for grassroots groups up to €100,000 for large-scale initiatives with the potential for lasting change. Links to apply here: ukrunchat.co.uk/funding/

WIN a copy of @PaulTonkinson’s new book Running Through Sand along with a Beginner Trail Bundle from Harrier Trail Running worth £85. Join Paul as he takes on the toughest footrace on Earth, the Marathon des Sables. While training for the event, calves explode, tendons pop, knees disintegrate. Years come and go, time seems to be running out as the race seems an impossible dream and then, in 2024 when fitness is finally achieved, a freak accident. Paul is run over by dogs, hospitalised, all hope is lost… Spring 2025, the planets align. Tonkinson snags entry to MDS, two months till race time. It’s on – the last hurrah. Get the gear down from the attic, apply the toe jelly and find that mandatory whistle. With such little time to train, he can’t compete any more that’s for sure. So the question is more basic: can he possibly finish? Along with the book, kickstart your own trail running journey with the Beginner Trail Bundle from Harrier Trail Running. Equipped with essential gear like a race vest, soft bottles, and a mini first aid kit, this bundle has everything you need to take on the trails. By entering you agree that your email address will be added to both the UKRunChat and Bloomsbury databases. We will have one winner who will be chosen at random on Sunday June 28th. Enter now: ukrunchat.co.uk/competition1… @BloomsburySport

Eilish McColgan is tackling the gender gap in sports science Commonwealth Games champion Eilish McColgan has been appointed by Science in Sport as a member of its newly established Elite Performance Advisory Panel, helping provide athlete insight to inform future performance research and education initiatives. The performance nutrition brand, founded in 1992, is bringing together a network of world-class athletes to provide real-world perspectives on the challenges facing elite performers, working alongside Science in Sport’s Science Advisory Panel to help identify areas where further research and innovation could have the greatest impact. McColgan’s appointment to the role, which deepens her existing ambassadorial relationship with the brand, comes amid growing concern around what many researchers describe as a significant imbalance in sports science, with less than five per cent of elite performance research historically focused on female athletes. The warning comes weeks after Sabastian Sawe became the first man in history to run a sanctioned marathon in under two hours, with McColgan arguing that female runners risk being left behind if sports science continues to prioritise male physiology over a deeper understanding of the unique demands of female performance. McColgan said women’s sport had outpaced its own science: “The performances, the visibility, the investment – it’s all moving in the right direction. But the science hasn’t kept pace,” “We have research coming that I genuinely believe could be as transformative for female runners as the super shoe revolution was for distance running.” Science in Sport is set to publish a study later this year on elite female marathon runners that it says could help reshape fuelling recommendations for female endurance athletes. Findings from a parallel study on male runners have shown that consuming 120 grams of carbohydrate per hour improved running economy by three per cent, a performance gain that could translate into several minutes over the course of a marathon. McColgan added: “The challenge we face is that sports performance research is overwhelmingly based on male cohorts, which ignores important aspects of female physiology, including the impact of the menstrual cycle on performance and recovery. “I’m excited to join Science in Sport’s Elite Performance Advisory Panel and help ensure the athlete perspective is represented when identifying the questions that matter most. For me personally, this work will also play an important role in how I approach training and racing.” Professor James Morton, Science in Sport’s Chief Science Officer, said: “Eilish brings invaluable experience as one of the world’s leading endurance athletes. Through the Elite Performance Advisory Panel, she’ll help us better understand the real-world challenges athletes face and highlight areas where science can have the greatest impact. “That athlete insight, combined with the expertise of our Science Advisory Panel, will help shape future research priorities and educational initiatives. The findings from our recent male marathon study, where athletes improved running economy by three per cent when consuming 120 grams of carbohydrate per hour, demonstrate the scale of performance gains that can be unlocked through targeted research. “Our belief is that the next frontier in endurance performance will come not simply from applying existing knowledge to female athletes, but from building a deeper understanding of female physiology in its own right.”

Just under a year after our first conversation, race director John Yelland returns to the UKRunChat Podcast to talk about the realities of organising grassroots events and why community matters more than ever. John is the founder of Mad Hatter Sports Events in Cornwall and creator of the unique Hourglass Race, a "front yard ultra" where runners tackle two-mile laps against a steadily shrinking time limit. In this episode we discuss the challenges facing race organisers, from rising costs and late entries to volunteer recruitment and social media marketing. We also explore what makes grassroots events special, why runners continue to return to Hourglass, and what participants can do to support the races they love. In this episode: How the last year has been for Mad Hatter Sports Events Why grassroots races are facing increasing challenges The impact of late race entries on organisers The difficulty of promoting events through social media Why creating an atmosphere matters as much as the race itself The importance of volunteers and community support How Hourglass differs from a traditional Backyard Ultra Common mistakes first-time Hourglass runners make The strategies that seem to work best in the race Why some ultra runners are intimidated by the format What runners can do to help keep local races alive About Hourglass Hourglass is a unique endurance challenge held at the Royal Cornwall Showground. Runners complete two-mile laps, starting with a 30-minute time limit. Each lap reduces by one minute until participants can no longer complete the distance within the allotted time. The event takes place on 27 July and is organised by Mad Hatter Sports Events. madhattersportsevents.co.uk/… Listen here: Spotify: shorturl.at/Pmtre Apple: apple.co/3fiJ0mJ Web: zencastr.com/z/zyWhuM9U #ukrunchat @mileswithshell

Trail 100 Andorra by UTMB® returns on June 12 with one of its most competitive editions to date, bringing together elite and amateur runners across a course that crosses some of the most demanding and iconic high-mountain terrain in the country. With around 3,800 participants, the event reflects strong international appeal, with France as the leading country, followed by Spain, Andorra, the UK and the Netherlands. Female participation continues to grow and now represents nearly 24% of the field. As part of the UTMB World Series, the event continues to establish itself as a key race on the international calendar, both for its competitive level and its strong connection to the territory. Throughout the week, Ordino and the wider region will become the heart of the event, with the Race Village hosting the Expo, bib collection, race briefings and finish line for all distances. The Trail 100 Andorra by UTMB® 2026 start line stands out for its depth and quality across all distances, featuring both established athletes and rising names. Ultra 105K: an open battle at the highest level In the men’s race, Rod Farvard (UTMB Index 918) leads the field alongside Thibaut Marguet (874), Richard Lockwood (860) and Philip Ausserhofer (858). In the women’s race, Martina Valmassoi (758), Anastasia Davydenova (728) and Andrea Vlasakova (723) headline a wide-open competition. Trail 80K: depth and international field In the men’s race, Julen Calvo (894), Guillaume Tiphene (875) and Morten Andonsen (868) lead the lineup. In the women’s race, Allison Baca (772) encapçala heads the field, followed by Juliane Rössler (721) and Lindsay Allison (740). Trail 50K: fast and competitive racing The 50K is set to be one of the fastest races of the weekend. In the men’s field, Robert Pkemoi (920) stands out alongside Maximilien Drion (902) and Mario Olmedo Sánchez (889). In the women’s race, Blandine L’Hirondel (807) y Gemma Arenas (750) bring strong international experience. This edition will also feature Anna Ongaro ( 673 ), winner of the Salomon Ultra Pirineu 2025. Trail 100 Andorra by UTMB® 2026 will also welcome a special presence: Michel Poletti, UTMB co-founder, who will take the start as part of his personal project UTMB Slow Path. Poletti is connecting several UTMB World Series events by travelling largely on foot and at a human pace, from Provence to the Pyrenees. At 71 years old, his journey highlights another way of approaching trail running and travel: slower, more conscious and more connected to the landscape. As he explains, it is about taking the time and rediscovering the value of the journey itself. His arrival in Andorra brings a different dimension to the event, reinforcing the spirit of trail running: moving forward, each in their own way. 📷 1 Toni Grases 2 Carleslturbe

This weekend (13th June), the Pennine Way once again becomes the proving ground for some of the world’s toughest endurance athletes as the 2026 Montane Summer Spine Race gets underway. The Summer Spine is every bit as brutal as its winter sibling. With exposed moorlands, dry, cracked paths, and unpredictable storms, runners still face over 10,000 metres of ascent and the mental challenge of enduring hundreds of miles without a proper rest. With over 700 runners from across the globe, the event features seven races of varying distances, from the 43-mile Sprint to the epic 268-mile full Spine. Participants will navigate some of the most beautiful yet unforgiving landscapes in England and Scotland whilst battling heat, relentless exposure and sleep deprivation. The course winds through the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall, and the Cheviots, testing every facet of human endurance. Now in its 6th summer edition and with headline sponsor Montane returning once again, this year's event is set to be bigger than ever, drawing hundreds of runners from around the world to tackle the UK’s premier multi-day ultra on foot. With seven races across a week, the Montane Summer Spine series offers something for everyone, from fast 43-mile sprints to the full 268-mile epic: Spine Race: 268 miles | Starts 14th June Sprint South Race: 46 miles | Starts 13th June Challenger South: 108 miles | Starts 13th June Challenger North: 160 miles | Starts 14th June MRT Challenge South: 108 miles | Starts 13th June MRT Challenge North: 160 miles | Starts 14th June Sprint North: 43 Miles | Starts 16th June Start Location: Edale, Derbyshire, UK Finish Location: Kirk Yetholm, Scottish Borders Runners will face long daylight hours, high temperatures and little chance to rest as they carry all their kit and make their way, non-stop and self-supported, along the full length of the Pennine Way. The terrain is wild, the climbs unrelenting, and sleep scarce. Safety teams and dedicated volunteers will be on hand to support athletes through this immense undertaking. 📷 The Spine Race

The Wace Morgan Solicitors Shrewsbury 10K from the skies! We return on Sunday July 5th. We are lucky to be able to put on this event in the beautiful town of Shrewsbury. What’s included in your entry? ✅ JOMATechnical race souvenir t-shirt ✅ Official race photography ✅ Pacers to help you hit your target time ✅ Finish-line race treats ✅ Bespoke metal finisher’s medal ✅ Chip-timed results on a UKA-licensed, accurately measured course Give yourself a fantastic target to achieve before your summer holidays and join us in just over 3 weeks time! Sign up here: entryhub.co.uk/wace-morgan-s… Huge thank you to our sponsors and partners. @WaceMorgan #greenhous @Berrys_UK #newmedica @JomaSportUK @ThinkCirrus #ukrunchat #runshrewsbury

Demand for Europe’s leading half marathon series has surged to record levels, with more than 150,000 runners now registered to complete the SuperHalfs, as global charity running partner realbuzz renews its exclusive multi-year partnership with the series from 2027 onwards. The milestone reflects a broader boom in endurance running across Europe, with half marathons emerging as one of the most accessible and popular race distances. With all six SuperRaces now moving towards operating ballot entry systems due to unprecedented demand, realbuzz is playing an increasingly critical role in enabling access for runners through charity places. In 2025 alone, realbuzz recruited thousands of runners across the SuperHalfs series, collectively raising in excess of £1.2 million for charitable causes. The company projects this will grow to more than £2 million in 2026, underlining the scale and momentum of charity-led participation within mass running events. In 2025, an average of 38% of finishers were registered for SuperHalfs. Early 2026 figures already exceed 60%, reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing participation challenges in global running and signalling the arrival of a new ‘ballot era’ for half marathons. As demand continues, charity entry programmes are becoming a significant route into major events. realbuzz connects runners to official charity places across SuperHalfs, supporting them with fundraising expertise, training plans and global campaign infrastructure. Nick Hollowood, Chief Commercial Officer at realbuzz, said: “The rapid growth of the SuperHalfs reflects a global running boom but also a fundamental shift in how runners access the world’s most in-demand events. With ballots now the norm, charity places have become a vital pathway. “Renewing our exclusive partnership with SuperHalfs beyond 2027 allows us to scale that impact even further, helping more runners secure places while delivering meaningful funds for charities worldwide.” The SuperHalfs challenge invites runners to complete six leading European half marathons – Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen, Cardiff and Valencia – earning the official SuperMedal once all six races are completed. Since its launch, the series has attracted a global community of runners seeking a structured international challenge that combines travel, personal achievement and purpose-driven participation. Sasho Belovski, Managing Director of SuperHalfs, said: “SuperHalfs has grown into a global movement, connecting runners through some of Europe’s most iconic races. Realbuzz has been instrumental in that growth, not only by helping runners access sold-out events but by unlocking significant fundraising for charities. A renewed partnership ensures we can continue to expand both participation and impact in the years ahead.” With participation continuing to rise and destination races growing in popularity, industry observers expect SuperHalfs and charity-led entry models to remain key drivers of global running trends.

WIN a copy of @PaulTonkinson’s new book Running Through Sand along with a Beginner Trail Bundle from Harrier Trail Running worth £85. Join Paul as he takes on the toughest footrace on Earth, the Marathon des Sables. While training for the event, calves explode, tendons pop, knees disintegrate. Years come and go, time seems to be running out as the race seems an impossible dream and then, in 2024 when fitness is finally achieved, a freak accident. Paul is run over by dogs, hospitalised, all hope is lost… Spring 2025, the planets align. Tonkinson snags entry to MDS, two months till race time. It’s on – the last hurrah. Get the gear down from the attic, apply the toe jelly and find that mandatory whistle. With such little time to train, he can’t compete any more that’s for sure. So the question is more basic: can he possibly finish? Along with the book, kickstart your own trail running journey with the Beginner Trail Bundle from Harrier Trail Running. Equipped with essential gear like a race vest, soft bottles, and a mini first aid kit, this bundle has everything you need to take on the trails. By entering you agree that your email address will be added to both the UKRunChat and Bloomsbury databases. We will have one winner who will be chosen at random on Sunday June 28th. Enter now: ukrunchat.co.uk/competition1… @BloomsburySport

Another hard run. First couple miles was a bit meh. But i was running up hills. But I did make the last mile count. Have a nice Monday everyone #kylevstheworld #changetheworld #gottagofast #ukrunchat @UKRunChat #running

Base 30 Mins, 11 Min Pace - 82% Plus 20 minutes Sprints with my 12 year old Happy Monday !!! #baserun #sprints #training @UKRunChat

"Nothing I am Nothing I dream Nothing is new Nothing I think or believe in or say Nothing is true.." #reasonstorun @UKRunChat @runningpunks

Designed for modern endurance lifestyles, Stolt creates commuter backpacks and hydration systems that seamlessly bridge athletic performance with urban living. Whether commuting through the city, training for races or escaping to the trails at the weekend, Stolt products are built to help commuters increase their weekly mileage. Founded in London in 2018, Stolt embodies the perfect fusion of performance, style and culture – born from a simple idea: to enable endurance athletes to run more. Every detail is intentional, every material carefully selected, and every product engineered with movement in mind. Rooted in Scandinavian principles of longevity, functionality and minimalist aesthetics – and shaped by the Finnish heritage of founders Katja and Keijo – Stolt combines technical innovation with elevated design. The result is a collection of products defined by ergonomics, simplicity and durability, without compromising on style. Today, Stolt serves a growing international community of runners, cyclists and endurance athletes who demand more from the products they carry every day. At its core, the brand believes in the transformative power of endurance sports: empowering individuals to achieve their personal best – both in athletics and in life. Introducing the Stolt collection Athlete Backpack Designed for runners and active commuters, the Stolt Athlete Backpack combines technical performance with everyday versatility. Featuring a roll-top construction with adjustable 15L–18L capacity, the backpack adapts seamlessly between work, training and travel. Ergonomically engineered for movement, it includes optimal weight distribution, adjustable padded straps and a breathable mesh back panel for enhanced comfort while running or cycling. It also features a dedicated business compartment to fit laptops up to 16”, and detachable waist straps, which double as a running belt – reinforcing the bag’s versatility for active urban lifestyles. Alpha Commuter Backpack The intersection of technical sports performance and timeless Scandinavian design, the Alpha Backpack is specifically designed for runners and cyclists, with a hideaway strap mechanism that transforms it from performance commuter pack to sleek business bag within seconds. Expandable compartments accommodate shoes, clothing and everyday essentials, while a padded laptop compartment securely fits devices up to 16”. Engineered for long-term durability, the Alpha incorporates advanced anti-microbial materials designed to combat sweat and odour, alongside water-repellent performance fabrics, and reinforced stitching. Ergonomic shoulder, waist and sternum straps ensure stability and comfort throughout high-movement commutes, while breathable mesh padding enhances airflow during use. Athlete Ultralight 12L Hydration Running Backpack Blending ultralight performance with commuter practicality, the Athlete Ultralight 12L Hydration Running Backpack is designed for everything from fast-paced city commutes to long-distance trail runs. Weighing just 420g, the pack delivers a versatile solution for endurance athletes seeking lightweight functionality – without sacrificing storage. Its roll-top design offers adaptable capacity and quick-access side zip entry, while the interior accommodates either a hydration bladder or a compact 13” laptop – making it equally suited to weekday movement and weekend adventure. Constructed from durable ballistic nylon with a water-repellent coating, the pack features breathable mesh padding, water-resistant front zip pockets and integrated storage for two included 500ml soft flasks. Performance 4L Hydration Running Vest A minimalist endurance vest built for runners who prioritise comfort, efficiency and speed. Weighing just 200g, the Performance 4L Hydration vest features a sartorial, body-contouring fit constructed from ultra-soft 4-way stretch Lycra, breathable air mesh and soft knit binding engineered to minimise chafing over long distances. Designed for marathon training, racing and trail running, the vest balances lightweight construction with practical functionality through its nine-pocket storage system. Dual front compartments accommodate two (included) 500ml soft flasks, while water-resistant zip pockets securely protect valuables and nutrition during demanding runs.

Engineered for runners seeking superior performance, Saucony delivers the highly anticipated launch of the Endorphin Elite 3. The updated profile features industry-leading energy return cushioning in a design optimized for race day. “The Endorphin Elite 3 is our most efficient racing shoe to date,” said Brian Moore, chief product officer of Saucony. “We redesigned the midsole geometry based on direct runner feedback to maintain the exceptional performance of the Elite 2 but to add more midfoot stability. Powered by the explosive energy return of IncrediRUN foam and a new slotted carbon fiber plate, the Endorphin Elite 3 creates a smooth and propulsive ride to help runners feel even faster on race day.” Endorphin Elite 3 Features: 👟Dual layers of the award-winning IncrediRUN foam (industry-leading energy return cushioning) 👟Updated midsole geometry designed to improve stability and efficiency at fast paces 👟New slotted carbon fiber plate for enhanced propulsion and smoother transitions 👟Lightweight, secure, and breathable upper built for race-ready performance 👟PWRTRAC outsole delivering dependable traction and durability on race day The launch of the Endorphin Elite 3 marks the latest evolution of Saucony’s Endorphin franchise, a cornerstone of the brand’s top innovations. In 2026, the franchise expanded to meet the needs of runners across distances and performance preferences, with the introduction of the Endorphin Azura, the versatile and responsive Endorphin Pro 5, and now the Endorphin Elite 3, Saucony’s most efficient racing shoe to date. Together, the lineup underscores Saucony’s commitment to delivering speed-driven solutions engineered for every type of racer. The Endorphin Elite 3 is available in unisex sizing from 3.5–13, 14, 15 for a suggested retail price of €320/£300 at saucony.com and select retailers.

General entries for the capital’s newest half marathon, the Saucony Run Shoreditch Half, have sold out months ahead of the event with 10,000 runners snapping up a spot. While 2026 will be the debut of the Saucony Run Shoreditch Half on 20 September, last year hosted the first iteration of the event as 9,000 runners took on a 10k route around the streets of Shoreditch and neighbouring boroughs. The new half marathon route starts and finishes next to Shoreditch Park, which plays host to a bustling event village packed full of entertainment, partner activations and local food traders. After setting off, runners will experience the support of Shoreditch, passing thousands of supporters as they tackle the 13.1 mile challenge. The relatively flat course passes through Hoxton Market, Stoke Newington and De Beauvoir, among many other iconic areas. Newington Green offers spectators the perfect opportunity to see their runner three times throughout the race before everyone descends on Shoreditch Park for their post-race celebrations together. Saucony Run Shoreditch Half was created by Saucony and Motiv Sports UK, who also collaborate on the Saucony London 10k in July. It is delivered in partnership with the London Boroughs of Hackney and Islington. Cameron Black, Vice President & General Manager at Saucony EMEA, said: “We created this event with Motiv Sports UK as we understood the level of excitement and demand the incredible London running scene has for these races. We knew that there would not just be an appetite for a new race in the calendar, but that the community would bring every ounce of energy and support it has to it. “After seeing that passion on show at last year’s event we knew made the right decision. It’s brilliant to see the jump to half marathon met with the same buzz as shown by the event selling out months ahead of its new-look debut. We can’t wait to everyone in September for a packed-out Saucony Run Shoreditch Half.” Ian Allerton, Managing Director at Motiv Sports, said: “The response to this event from running community has been phenomenal. We know all about running events in the capital and that the most important factor in their success is the connection and atmosphere built with the communities that house them. Across our portfolio, we work with community groups and run clubs to try and extend the impact of our races beyond the finish line. “We are excited to continue developing that as this event grows and this sell-out is an important milestone in that journey. Thank you to Saucony, and the London Boroughs of Hackney and Islington, for helping us deliver this event. Thank you as well to everyone who’s signed up or plans to come down and support, we can’t wait to see you all in September.” General entries may have sold out, but you can still be a part of the Saucony Run Shoreditch Half via their charity places. 📷 Credit: Motiv Sports UK

Easy 6 mile deload run 🏃🏻‍♂️🙂 #Glasgow #Running #EasyRun #Strava #Runna @UKRunChat #DeloadWeek

200th parkrun at Valentines with the ELR crew 👌🏾 @UKRunChat @Nike @TheBHF @parkrunUK

Back walking and #gurning @parkrunUK this morning after my knee arthroscopy, few more weeks until I can run again but parkrun no.444 completed ✔️ @UKRunChat @TeachersRunClub

Happy Volunteers' Week my @parkrunUK family 💙 I had some lovely chats while parkwalking at @NFparkrun this morning. It's such a valuable role, and it would be great to see it included on future rosters as it's definitely needed. 🙏🏾 #loveparkrun @UKRunChat @cancer5kYourWay