Over the past few years, running has experienced a surge in popularity. Whether a run is your perfect remedy after a stressful week, you’re training for a competition, or you’ve joined a new run club, there is no doubting the empowering community the sport is creating.
We are so lucky in Norfolk to be surrounded by an abundance of running races, clubs and social events that help celebrate the beauty of the sport. Whether you take on Blickling Half Marathon later this year, get a group of your friends together for the Pretty Muddy Race, or were lucky enough to get a place in Run Norwich, there is a race for everyone to take on (and, with the days becoming longer, there’s even more reason to grab your trainers and head out!).
For those that decide to run for a chosen charity, the finishing line of a race means so much more. Every run in the bitterly cold and early alarm (you wish you could ignore!) all feels worthwhile knowing the money you raise will allow your charity to continue their incredible work across Norfolk.
On 26th April 2026, thousands of runners will take to the streets of London for the iconic London Marathon. The race (which always makes me cry when I watch it on TV!) brings together many to celebrate the beauty of the running community and the incredible power fundraising can have.
Joe Randlesome, who is a Brand Ambassador for Good Running Events, will be taking on the London Marathon this month in support of Break: an inspirational charity that helps to change young lives in East Anglia.
I recently to spoke to Joe to see how training is going ahead of the big race, the importance of fundraising for Break, the impact running has had on his life and how you can show your support!
How are you feeling ahead of the London Marathon (and what inspired you to select Break as your chosen charity)?
I watch the London Marathon on TV every year and also have watched countless videos about the day and how magical and memorable the event is. So, the main feeling at the moment for me is excitement about the occasion and trying to embrace it and enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The thought of running 26.2 miles is utterly hideous, but I will get round – even if I crawl…
I was kindly given the opportunity to run for Break Charity because I have already supported them a lot through personal fundraising and also through my workplace – with events, partnerships and sponsorships.
They are an inspiration charity, run by some amazing people, and the impact they have on young people’s lives is remarkable.
When did your running journey begin?
I first started running during the lockdown, as I have never been really into going to the gym or doing weights.
Running is something that doesn’t require any equipment (well now apart from my Garmin watch) and can be done anywhere.
Running for me has always been about mindset – having a bit of time to myself to reflect, listen to music, clear my head etc. I think that is really important. I lost quite a bit of weight through the running, so that is really where it all began.
The longest run I did was the virtual Ringland Half Marathon which saw me running up and down the villages in Easton, Marlingford and Colton. When I run through them now, it still reminds me of how challenging it was.
What impact has running had on your life?
I think the most positive element of running has been the impact on my mindset.
Even when you go for a short run, it really helps to put you in a better mood and feel like you have achieved something.
I set myself the challenge last year of running a different Parkrun each month, which I managed to do across Norfolk and Suffolk. Something like this, sets me up nicely for the weekend.
The other element has been the chance to explore new places through races. I now have a fab collection of medals, but the most enjoyable part for me is seeing new places, running new routes and exploring.
I never really worry about times, or how fast I am running. It is more about smiles than miles… Although maybe I should have thought of that when signing up for a marathon…
What challenges have you set yourself during your running journey to help raise more money for Break?
Well, I have taken on a number of races over the past year or so, all of which have been raising funds. These have included the Cambridge Half Marathon, GEAR 10k, Run Norwich, Run Sandringham and many more.
I have also recently announced an A-Z of Norfolk challenge, where I am setting myself the task of running one mile for each letter of the alphabet – so Attleborough, Banham, Colton through to the Zebu at Banham Zoo.
If people follow me on LinkedIn, they would have also seen some videos of me telling jokes while I run and running to meetings across Norfolk.
What inspired you to start your ‘Give it a Go’ networking event?
There are actually a couple of reasons for this…
As many people will know, I have attended a lot of networking events over the past few years – some people may say that I will attend the opening of an envelope!
But what started the idea was me sitting at a networking event once (I won’t name which one) and listening to a really long presentation that just took up the majority of the networking time.
So, I thought, why not combine an activity with the networking element – making it a bit more light hearted and hopefully a relaxed atmosphere to spark conversations.
I also really enjoy watching Rob Vs Romesh on TV, so it was kind of inspired by this as well!
The second element was obviously the fundraising element.
So, events like Padel, QASAR, Lantern Tour and Tubing have kindly offered me a slightly reduced charity rate, meaning that any proceeds from ticket sales can go directly to Break.
What do you enjoy most about the ‘Give it a Go’ events?
It has to be inspiring people. This is a motto I have carried through my career and I also use when I conduct workshops and careers talks.
So, when people make new connections, have fun trying a new activity or even just have a laugh at me trying to run, the inspiration element is the most important.
Plus, they can be a good way to continue a conversation – ‘we played Padel the other day’ - so that has also worked quite well.
Sometimes the hardest element of a run can be getting your trainers on and getting out of the door (especially when the weather is poor!). What has kept you motivated during your training for the London Marathon?
The pizza at the end… No in all seriousness, you are spot on.
When I have been training for the London Marathon, I feel I continually have little niggles and aches which quite often are annoying and a reason to possibly put off a run.
And training for a spring marathon also means you are running in the dark, cold, rain and even snow (as people will have seen on my LinkedIn and Instagram).
Again, it comes back to a positive mindset. Thinking that each run (even if it is slow or cold) will be helping me towards my end goal. Knowing I will feel fulfilled and inspired and knowing I am keeping myself as fit as I can.
What power do you believe running has?
This is a tough question and ultimately a lot of it depends on the individual.
Obviously, everyone has their own reasons for running, their own challenges and goals to aim for.
But the real power has to be a togetherness – especially when running with friends, at a Parkrun, or a race.
Everyone is aiming for the same distance (and a lot of the time the same medal and goodies at the end!), even if they run at different paces and different times. Some people might be aiming for a PB, others might be pushing their body to the limit and others will be doing it in memory of someone. But ultimately, everyone for a short time together is united in the same end goal.
Everyone will make their way to that end goal, but the power is in the achievement and togetherness to then continue conversations, meet new people and help one another.
How did it feel to become an ambassador for Good Running Events?
This was a really proud moment for me.
Aaron Murrell, Andrew Cooper and the team at Good Running Events are fantastic and they host some unbelievable races across the UK.
I had met Aaron at a networking mentoring session run by the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and we then got chatting about how I could possibly get more involved.
I am really trying to help them with sponsorships, coverage at races and building their name as the go-to race provider in the area.
I have met some amazing people, which I now call good friends. We all speak on a WhatsApp group and plan meet-ups at the races including Snetterton, Sandringham, Luminate, Great Eastern and more.
What do you love most about the running community in Norfolk?
The amount of smiles on faces that I see when running across Norfolk is amazing.
Whether it is from encouragement from a friendly race marshal, someone crossing a finish line or even passing someone running in the other direction – there are so many smiles that can mean so much more than words at times.
Have you got any other races planned this year?
Yes, I can safely say my calendar is filling up nicely.
After running more than 20 races last year, I have the Blickling Half, GY Promenade 5 mile, Aylsham 10k, Holt 10k, Bungay 10k, Run Sandringham 10k and 24 hour, North Walsham 5k, Wroxham 5k, Holkham 10k, Reepham 10k, Snetterton 10k, Dinosaur Dash, Run Norwich, Sandringham Half, Great Eastern East Coast 10k, Adnams 10k, Run Luminate and Marham NYE 10k on my list this year! And obviously the London Marathon on 26th April!
How can we show our support to your fundraising efforts for the London Marathon for Break?
I have a fundraising page which is live (https://www.justgiving.com/pag...)!
And this is not about me, it’s about the charity and also people finding out about what they do and how best to support them. Their website is - www.break-charity.org/charity
To show your support to Joe’s running journey, you can visit his fundraising page – https://www.justgiving.com/pag...
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