12 Months to Marathon - Episode 86 - 18 Mile Marathons & Charity Places

Send us Fan MailEpisode 86 – 18 Mile Marathons & Charity PlacesMarathons have been dominating the running conversation this week, and not always for the right reasons.In this episode, I talk about three topics that have been doing the rounds online: the LA Marathon offering runners the option to finish at 18 miles and still receive a medal, the debate around charity places vs qualification times in the major marathons, and the growing discussion about filming during races.But underneath all of this is a bigger issue.Have we started turning running into something it was never meant to be?Running should be an escape from the noise of the world, not another place for arguments, politics, or division. Whether it’s debates about medals, charity runners, or race access, it’s easy to forget the most important thing: we’re all just trying to run our own race.In this episode, I share my honest perspective on:The safety conversation around hot marathons and shortened racesWhy 18-mile finishes and medals shouldn’t bother youThe reality of charity places vs good-for-age qualificationWhy chasing the major marathons can sometimes make runners bitterAnd why the real message for the running community is simple: focus on your race and support each otherThere are thousands of incredible marathons around the world — and you don’t need a major medal to call yourself a marathon runner.If you’re training right now and the doubts are creeping in, you’re not alone. That’s part of the process.Follow me on Instagram @12monthstomarathon for daily running advice, and if you’re over 35 you can join my free running community via the link in my bio.Support the show