All around the world runners are pounding the streets with many different aims and objectives. Some are running to get fit and others are training for an event. Many are fundraising for their favourite charity. Here we chat to some of those runners and share their goals and aspirations. Hopefully you’ll pick up something that will make your running even more fulfilling.
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All around the world runners are pounding the streets with many different aims and objectives. Some are running to get fit and others are training for an event. Many are fundraising for their favourite charity. Here we chat to some of those runners and share their goals and aspirations. Hopefully you’ll pick up something that will make your running even more fulfilling.
2025 Great North Run Review with Ben Gregoriou | Race Highlights & Insights
THE SAPPHIRE RUNNING ZONE RUNNER STORIES
24 minutes
2 months ago
2025 Great North Run Review with Ben Gregoriou | Race Highlights & Insights
Ben Gregoriou shares his journey to the Great North Run. From his first steps into running to fundraising for the Silver Star Maternity Fund charity, race-day challenges, and future goals, Ben’s story highlights the motivation, community, and emotion behind every mile. Ben wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Prof Christopher Redmond at the Silver Star Unit in Oxford, who passed away in August 2024, so raising money for the charity from this run was especially important.
You can donate to Ben's Great North Run fundraising efforts on his Just Giving page here
If you'd like to follow in Ben's footsteps and run your next event for the Silver Star Maternity Fund, or you're interested in one of the charity's London Marathon entries, email Maggie Margaret.Findlay@ouh.nhs.uk. Find out more about the charity here
For more podcasts head to https://www.sapphirerunningzone.com/podcasts. We have 3 channels, one on training and fundraising support, this one on runner stories and a third for members only. If you'd to be the focus on one just let us know using the chat function on the homepage.
PODCAST NOTES
Keywords
Great North Run, running, training, charity, fundraising, race day, half marathon, personal journey, fitness, community support
Summary
In this episode of the Runner Stories podcast, Tim Rogers interviews Ben, who recently completed the Great North Run. Ben shares his personal journey into running, the motivations behind his charity choice, and the extensive training he undertook for the half marathon. He discusses the challenges and excitement of race day, including the atmosphere, course layout, and his emotional experience during the final stretch. Additionally, Ben reflects on his fundraising efforts and future running goals, emphasising the importance of community support and personal motivation.
Takeaways
Ben started running for fitness and health reasons.He chose to fundraise for the Silver Star Unit due to personal connections.Training for the Great North Run involved a 19-20 week program.Ben integrated both outdoor and treadmill runs into his training.The Great North 10K served as a warm-up for the half marathon.Race day nerves kicked in the morning of the event.Preparation included organising gear the night before.The first half of the course was his favorite due to the atmosphere.Crowd support was significant but varied throughout the course.Ben raised over £800 for charity, exceeding his initial target.
Titles
Running for a Cause: Ben's Great North Run JourneyFrom Fitness to Fundraising: Ben's Running Story
Sound bites
"I did a 19-20 week training program""I set a new PB in that""I was actually really shocked"
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ben's Running Journey02:27 Training for the Great North Run07:08 Race Day Preparations11:12 Experiencing the Course: First Half17:17 Navigating the Second Half of the Race19:37 The Final Stretch and Emotions21:13 Fundraising Success and Motivation25:05 Looking Ahead: Future Running Goals
THE SAPPHIRE RUNNING ZONE RUNNER STORIES
All around the world runners are pounding the streets with many different aims and objectives. Some are running to get fit and others are training for an event. Many are fundraising for their favourite charity. Here we chat to some of those runners and share their goals and aspirations. Hopefully you’ll pick up something that will make your running even more fulfilling.
