Shows
Parkrunners PodcastWoden Pride: How Andrew & Lili are building an urban parkrun powerhouseEight weeks in. An ultra-urban setting in the heart of Canberra, Australia. And in week 2, a staggering 731 people showed up for Woden Town parkrun!In this episode of The Parkrunners Podcast, Catherine chats with Andrew Dempster and Lili Mooney, co-founders of Woden Town parkrun – one of Australia’s newest and busiest events. Set against high-rises, roads and shared paths, Woden Town proves you don’t need a picture-perfect park to build a powerful parkrun community.Andrew shares how a simple idea (“Why doesn’t Woden have a parkrun?”) and how they've at...
2025-12-1933 minParkrunners PodcastInside Junior parkrun, Prison parkrun and Beyond — with Emily FleuriotThis week, Catherine is joined by storyteller, creative director and much-loved parkrun volunteer Emily Fleuriot — a woman who brings imagination, compassion and community spirit into everything she does.Emily’s parkrun journey spans run reporting, co-event directing at Figges Marsh junior parkrun, supporting parkrun inside UK prisons, and being an active member of Tooting Run Club. In this beautifully thoughtful episode, Emily reflects on the power of showing up — for ourselves and for each other.Together we explore: ✨ The joyful chaos and deep meaning behind junior parkrun 🔒 What parkrun looks like inside the pri...
2025-12-1337 minParkrunners PodcastHi-Viz Heroes, Grassroots Greatness & World Records - A Solo Catch-Up with Catherine StensonThis week’s episode is a little different – it’s just you and me, your host Catherine Stenson. When a planned guest recording needed to be rescheduled because of a family emergency, I decided not to skip a week but to celebrate the incredible parkrun stories we’ve shared so far – and give you a sneak peek at who, and what’s, coming next on The Parkrunners Podcast.In this feel-good solo episode I reflect on: • The Instagram message that led to a conversation with US ultra runner and politician Greg Nance – mid–Guinness World Record attempt...
2025-12-0618 minParkrunners PodcastBrooklyn Bridge parkrun: How Ben Roach brought parkrun to NYCIn this episode I’m joined by Ben Roach, Brit abroad, sports & media lawyer, and founder/Event Director of Brooklyn Bridge parkrun – the very first parkrun in New York City and New York State. Ben and his American-born wife Beth moved from London to NYC with a shared mission: bring parkrun to their new home.Ben shares a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how that dream became a weekly 5k under one of the world’s most iconic bridges – from navigating city bureaucracy and securing a route in Brooklyn Bridge Park, to recruiti...
2025-11-2940 minParkrunners PodcastParliament, Parkrun & Public Health: A Conversation with Nick Smith, Labour MPIn this episode of The Parkrunners Podcast, Catherine is joined by Labour MP Nick Smith, Member of Parliament for Blaenau Gwent in South Wales and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on parkrun. From a New Year’s resolution in 2017 to more than 240 parkruns and 50 volunteer stints, Nick shares how a Saturday morning 5k became a non-negotiable part of his life – for both his health and his community.With The Economist recently dubbing parkrun an “unwitting British public-health success” and valuing its benefits to Britain at up to £668 million a year, this conversation dives into why parkrun i...
2025-11-2225 minParkrunners PodcastTasha Thompson: Making Space, Sparking ChangeThis week on The Parkrunners Podcast host, Catherine Stenson, is joined by Tasha Thompson – NHS professional, marathoner, community builder and founder of Black Girls Do Run UK.What started as Tasha’s personal love for lacing up her trainers has grown into a mission to make running more inclusive, joyful, and empowering for everyone. A chance encounter with a marshal opened her eyes to how underrepresented black women were in running, and she set out to change that by creating a community where women feel seen, supported, and celebrated.In this conversation, Tasha shar...
2025-11-1528 minParkrunners PodcastFrom Pushchair to PBs: A Dad & Son’s Parkrun Bond - Alex & Isaac MannThis week on the Parkrunners Podcast, we meet Alex Mann—a passionate parkrunner and proud Dad—and his energetic 4-year-old son Isaac, who’s already chasing PBs (personal bests) at Junior parkrun in Hove! With a £1 reward from Mum, Dad, Nanny & Grandad for every new personal best, Isaac’s motivation is sky-high. But it’s not just about the numbers—Alex turns each Sunday 2k into a mission to beat the “bad guys” on the hills, helping Isaac push through with imagination and grit.This joyful episode follows our previous conversations with Shona McCallin, Junior parkrun ambassador and Olympic gold...
2025-11-0824 minParkrunners PodcastCelia Dawson OBE: The Headteacher Powering Parkrun PrimaryCelia Dawson OBE is Headteacher at Cricket Green School—the SEN school that helped pilot parkrun primary, the new UK initiative twinning schools with local junior parkruns to get children more active. Celia is more than an Headteacher, she is an extraordinary and inspiring community leader and she shares how after completing ~102 parkruns herself, she now volunteers most weekends and channels that community spirit into school life—advocating for disadvantaged and SEND pupils, and showing how movement builds confidence and belonging. We talk about what the pilot taught schools, practical tips for twinning, and how borough-wide partnerships can lift wellb...
2025-11-0125 minParkrunners PodcastJan Lenton: 70 & Still Flying - From the First London Marathon to 50 Parkrun firsts!This week on the Parkrunners Podcast, we meet Jan Lenton a true legend of the running world — she's a 70-year-old powerhouse who ran the very first London Marathon in 1981, when only 300 of the 7,200 runners were women. She finished in a remarkable 3:52.Today, she’s still going strong. A regular at Bromley parkrun and a proud member of Orpington Road Runners, she holds the record in her age category for finishing first at 50 consecutive, different parkruns across the UK.She’s a mother of three, a grandmother, and a mentor to the next g...
2025-10-2522 minParkrunners PodcastFrom Olympic Gold to Giving Back: Shona McCallin’s Next Chapter with parkrunOlympic Gold Medallist Shona McCallin MBE joins host, Catherine Stenson, to talk about life after professional sport — from her incredible journey with Team GB Hockey to her new chapter as U18 England hockey coach, mentor, and 'parkrun primary' ambassador. Shona shares what fuels her passion for helping young people move more, learn from sport, and build community through parkrun. A conversation full of purpose, positivity, and the power of starting somewhere.Send us a textThank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please sub...
2025-10-1839 minParkrunners PodcastPassports, Parkrun, Purpose: Darren Pead’s Global Alphabet AdventureThis week on the Parkrunners Podcast, we meet Darren Pead — Sydney-based entrepreneur, aviation enthusiast, and parkrun Australia’s social media and event ambassador. Darren isn’t just a parkrunner — he’s a serial alphabeteer, having completed a total of 378 parkruns at 278 different venues across 13 countries, and now closing in on his 10th full alphabet of parkrun locations. He has also completed an impressive 104 volunteer stints.For Darren, parkrun isn’t a hobby — it’s a lifestyle. He plans his work, travel, and fitness around Saturday mornings, usually alongside his wife, who shares the journ...
2025-10-1128 minParkrunners PodcastGreg Nance’s 'Run Far Story' - From Rock Bottom to River Miles!What does it take to run the entire length of the Mississippi River — all 2,340 miles of it from source to sea? This week, I’m joined by Greg Nance, an American politician, ultrarunner, entrepreneur and youth mental health champion whose extraordinary feats have captured the world’s attention.Greg has already completed seven marathons on seven continents in seven days, smashed Fastest Known Times around the globe, and run 3,156 miles across the United States from New York to Washington. Now, he’s on a mission to create an new Guinness...
2025-10-0341 minParkrunners PodcastOlwyn Dunne: , Running Powerhouse, Building Community, Beating the OddsThis week on the Parkrunners Podcast, we meet Olwyn Dunne, mum of 3 boys — is a Dublin-based powerhouse with a seriously impressive parkrun journey. With over 220 parkruns, 267 volunteer stints, and 65 marathons under her belt, Olwyn has spent more than a decade building community, championing inclusion, and literally saving lives.In her role as parkrun Ambassador for over 7 years, she helped launch Cabinteely and Shanganagh parkruns, and brought parkrun into a rehabilitation centre supporting young offenders and those recovering from addiction. But her impact doesn’t stop there.After her husband survived a card...
2025-09-2728 minParkrunners PodcastJohn Altman - 🎭 From soap villain to parkrun hero!Join us as we dive into the fascinating journey of John Altman, famously known as 'Nasty Nick Cotton' from EastEnders. After captivating audiences for nearly 30 years as a soap opera villain, John has embraced a new passion: parkrun. Discover how this iconic TV bad boy transformed into a dedicated parkrun lover and volunteer, sharing his love for fitness and community. Tune in to hear John's inspiring stories, from his days on set to his adventures on the running track. Don't miss this unique blend of celebrity insight and heartfelt motivation!Send us a...
2025-09-2032 minParkrunners Podcast"Wonderwall of Achievements: Gary Doyle's Double Century Celebration"In this episode, Catherine sits down with Gorey parkrun legend Gary Doyle, who recently celebrated a rare double milestone: 200 parkruns and 200 volunteer stints — on the same day. From barcode scanning to run directing, Gary’s commitment to community is matched only by his love of Oasis and his ever-expanding collection of running shoes!We explore how a newspaper article (and a nudge from his wife Aoife) kickstarted his @parkrun journey back in 2017, the joy of running alongside his son Noah, and why volunteering gives him just as much — if not more — than cro...
2025-09-1327 minParkrunners PodcastCarol & Jonathan Dickinson: 18-year running and volunteering legends at Bushy Park!From the very home of parkrun at Bushy Park in the UK, Carol and Jonathan have tirelessly dedicated themselves as serial volunteers and runners, not just for the adult parkrun but also for Junior parkrun. Their commitment weekend in and weekend out embodies the spirit of volunteerism that makes parkrun a global phenomenon. And as the global parkrun community hits its 1 millionth individual volunteer milestone this weekend (7th Sept 2025), there's no better time to join us as we dive into their inspiring journey, hear their stories, and celebrate their immense contribution t...
2025-09-0628 minParkrunners PodcastPat McGrath: 700 parkruns, 20 years, One Community HeartbeatSince the 5th ever parkrun in 2004, Pat McGrath has been lacing up—and lifting up—his community. With over 700 runs, 180+ volunteer stints, and nearly two decades coordinating 70+ helpers every Saturday at Bushy Park in the UK, Pat’s story is a masterclass in commitment, kindness, and the quiet power of showing up.Send us a textThank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram, Facebo...
2025-08-3024 minParkrunners PodcastMinreet Kaur: The Journalist Who Found Her RunMinreet Kaur, an award-winning UK journalist, had never considered herself a runner. But during lockdown, she found an unexpected passion for the sport that changed her life. In this powerful episode, Minreet shares her parkrun journey from a self-proclaimed 'non-runner' to a community builder, and why she founded the Asian Women Run group. Discover how running became her therapy and her mission to help others find their stride.Send us a textThank you for tuning in. It's been great to have you here.. If you've enjoyed this episode, please subscribe...
2025-08-2323 minParkrunners PodcastNick Alexander: Running to RecoveryNick Alexander's journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of parkrun. After moving to Dublin, he found himself battling alcohol addiction and the isolation that goes with it. He shares his courageous story of how he discovered parkrun, a simple weekly timed 5k event that became the foundation for his recovery. In this moving episode, discover how a community of runners and walkers helped him overcome his challenges, leading him to complete over 30 marathons and volunteer over 150 times.Send us a textThank you for tuning in...
2025-08-2335 minParkrunners PodcastNick Blanchard: The Funnel of Love at Bushy!Join me as I chat with Nick Blanchard, a dedicated parkrun enthusiast who has been a fixture at Bushy Park for over 15 years. Nick shares his journey from a non-runner, to runner and then to a key volunteer, offering unique insights into the community spirit and social impact of parkrun. Discover how parkrun has transformed lives (including Nick's), fostered friendships, and strengthened local communities.Key Takeaways:The origins and growth of parkrun Nick's personal transformation and volunteer experiences The social and economic benefits of parkrun #Nic...
2025-08-2327 min
Irish Dance Music PodcastEpisode 16A podcast dedicated to the world of Irish Dance Music. Presented by Tina Jordan Rees. This episode: March 2018 - World Championships Special REELS 1 (113): SPIRIT OF FILTH / GAN AINM / JOHN STENSON'S / THE BOUNCING CZECH - Feistunes 3 (Cormac Ó'Sé & Brian O'Sullivan) JIGS - (Smith, Byrnes, O'Sullivan) HEAVY JIG (BRENDA TONRAS / A BRADLEYS / UNTITLED HEAVY JIG) - Going For Gold (Dean Crouch) REELS 2 (113) HAPPENSTANCE / THE PIXIE MANIAC PIRATE / GLADSTONE - Feis Music 1: Advanced (Sean O'Brien) SLIP JIGS 113: BROADBEACH / WARD'S / CATHERINE KELLY'S - Féistastic 3 (Tina Jordan Rees) JIGS...
2018-03-2646 min