The Christmas Special for 2024 is here. Dave, Cal, Katie and Sean are joined by 3 ambassadors, Emma Smith, Mark Bousie and Hayley Simpson. We find you about how the year has gone, favourite races, favourite runs, favourite episodes and running ICKs. Sean reels his big list off but only the top 3. We hear about bucket lists and highlights. The team talk about future guests and plans for the 100th episode too.

We recorded in the Fairfield arms with listeners joining us for a beer wine and prosecco (not all at once).

Dave, Katie and Cal chat with a Sale Harrier who started competitive sports in the 80s and competed in the modern pentathlon. With PBs of 5K 13:58, 10K 29:32, half marathon 67:32. Matt Barnes has also been the Northern 1500 meters champion twice. He’s been third in the Northern cross-country championships. He’s been the English 5K road champion in 2010.He’s been a sub-4-minute miler and he’s won the first leg of the National 12 Stage Road Relays. He speaks about how he got into running, how he got into the modern pentathlon and promises its not a "posh boy sport". He also talks about training with Dave and Andy Norman at Altrincham and how they just had the right formula. Matt chats about the PBs he is most proud of as well as the performances, and how beating an Italian in Italy was a great moment. Now competing in Triathlon, Matt explains how he trains and how Triathlon has age categories that help streamline the winners to big competitions.

The team give race reviews for MACCL and SELCC, Fairway Five, Masters Relays and Conwy Half.

Dave talks about an issue with his calf, Cal issues an apology for his lack of knowledge about the groin muscle, and Katie talks about having a week off running but she is back at it now.

This episode is in collaboration with The Fairfield Arms Audenshaw! They kindly host us every other Monday, so we are able to vouch for their hospitality! Serving up great quality, pub food in warm and welcoming surroundings, The Fairfield Arms pub in Audenshaw should be your first port of call for a catch up with friends, a mid-week meal, or a delicious Sunday roast with all the family.

Sean, Katie, Dave and Cal talk to a Rochdale Harrier who has retuned to the sport as a masters athlete having taken a short 22 year break, the recovery has clearly worked for Juliet who has returned with some very impressive times. Since returning she has had times of 5k 19:36, 10k 41:02, 10 mile 73:02. Juliet talks about her time running as a junior and then her come back as a masters athlete. Juliet tells us about her training now and how she is coached by her husband Mark, who she gives high kudos to. Juliet also tells us about how track is becoming a big part of her training and how more people should give it a try (we have heard this before). Some great listener questions and a lovely message from Juliet's good friend who she helped complete a 10k.

The team give race reviews for SECCL Match 1, Yorkshire Marathon, British Masters Relays, Marathon Eryri and Oldham Half. Sean tells us that he needed to be a second quicker, Katie tells us she is spending more time training on grass, Cal tells us of his many mistakes at Marathon Eryri and Dave tells us he has enjoyed some battles with local runners, in races of course.

This episode is in collaboration with The Fairfield Arms Audenshaw! They kindly host us every other Monday, so we are able to vouch for their hospitality! Serving up great quality, pub food in warm and welcoming surroundings, The Fairfield Arms pub in Audenshaw should be your first port of call for a catch up with friends, a mid-week meal, or a delicious Sunday roast with all the family.