Chris Thompson

Great Britain & N.I.

Personal Bests

Marathon

2:10:52

3/26/2021

Half Marathon

1:01:07

3/1/2020

10 Miles Road

46:56

10/21/2018

15 Kilometres Road

45:44

7/10/2016

Half Marathon

1:01:00

9/16/2012

Upcoming Events

Recent Mentions

Podcast

Last-Minute Marathon Advice You Need to Hear! (With Emile Cairess)

April 20, 2025

This is it! The final episode before race day. In this episode, Paula Radcliffe and Chris Thompson reflect on the journey of the last 16 weeks and get you ready for marathon day. Paula also talks about her lead-up to running the Boston Marathon to earn her sixth Abbott World Marathon Major star, while British marathon star Emile Cairess joins us with expert tips on pacing, fuelling, mindset, and staying calm when it counts. Plus, we answer YOUR questions with practical tips on recovery, carb loading, race nerves, and gel timing. Tell us about your marathon stories and ask any questions, by emailing us: hello@paulasrunpod.com, or you can leave a voice note on WhatsApp: 07418 627194 – we love hearing from you! Episode Chapters 03:30 – Emotions, Thank Yous, and What’s Next for the Pod 07:25 – Paula on Running Boston & Chasing Her Sixth Star 13:40 – Emile Cairess on Race Day Calm & Smart Running 25:00 – Final Week Tapering, Fuelling, and Staying Fresh 33:00 – Listener Questions: Night Shifts, Gels, and Nerves 49:00 – What First-Timers Should Expect on Race Day 1:15:00 – A Message from Children With Cancer UK This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes1h 25m

Podcast

2 Weeks To Go!: Do’s & Don’ts Before Marathon Day (with Chelsea Clinton)

April 13, 2025

Two weeks until the London Marathon… and who better to guide you through the final countdown than Paula Radcliffe, Chris Thompson — and special guest Chelsea Clinton. In this episode, we talk pre-race nerves, planning hacks, family moments that make it all worth it, and why Chelsea sometimes runs at 3am!? Any questions, please email us: hello@paulasrunpod.com, or you can leave a voice note on WhatsApp: 07418 627194 – we love hearing from you! Timecodes: 04:40 – The Taper Week Trap 08:00 – Planning Your Perfect Race Week 15:12 – Chelsea’s Marathon Routine 20:12 – Why Chelsea called her mom mid-marathon! 28:30 – Balancing Parenthood, Pressure & Performance 35:00 – Is The London Marathon Next for Chelsea? This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes47m

Podcast

How Does Elite Athlete Alex Yee Taper for a Marathon?

April 6, 2025

World record-breaking runner Paula Radcliffe and double Olympian Chris Thompson guide you through week fourteen of marathon training. For this episode, they're joined by Olympic and world triathlon champion Alex Yee, who is running his first marathon! With a career built on endurance, speed, and Olympic glory, Alex shares how he’s approaching the unknown of 26.2 miles; physically, mentally, and emotionally. Any questions, please email us: hello@paulasrunpod.com, or you can leave a voice note on WhatsApp: 07418 627194 – we love hearing from you! Timecodes: 05:00 – Welcoming Alex Yee: Why the Marathon, Why Now? 10:00 – Olympic Mindset: Learning From Paris 13:00 – How Alex Handles Fatigue and Mental Toughness 15:30 – Marathon Training Shifts: Volume, Load & Fuelling 18:50 – Lessons From Long Runs 24:10 – Dealing with Setbacks: Alex’s Philosophy on Failure 26:30 – Taper Time: His Approach to the Final 3 Weeks 30:00 – Fuelling and Carbo-Loading: What’s Changed for Marathon Prep 40:00 – Reflections on First Marathons: Tips from the Hosts This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes1h 9m

Podcast

The Final Push! How to Taper & Mentally Prepare with Mary Ngugi-Cooper

March 30, 2025

World record-breaking runner Paula Radcliffe and double Olympian Chris Thompson guide you through week thirteen of marathon training. Paula and Chris explore tapering, trusting your training, and managing mindset in the final weeks of preparation. They’re joined by elite Kenyan runner Mary Ngugi-Cooper, who shares her inspiring journey, her Boston Marathon insights, and the powerful story behind her Nala Track Club – a safe space she created to empower young female athletes in Kenya. Any questions, please email us: hello@paulasrunpod.com, or you can leave a voice note on WhatsApp: 07418 627194 – we love hearing from you! Timecodes: 01:22 – Tapering begins: mindset shift & aches are normal 04:05 – Paula’s 10-minute rule for assessing niggles 05:34 – Chris on knowing when to stop a session 08:26 – Training is study, race day is the exam 10:30 – Practical taper prep: shoes, travel, kit 21:09 – Mary on founding Nala Track Club to protect & empower girls 27:03 – Recovering from injury & building back smarter 36:02 – Boston Marathon tips: respect the downhills, race smart This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes58m

Podcast

Marathon Training in the Hardest Weeks – Motivation from Adele Roberts

March 24, 2025

World record-breaking runner Paula Radcliffe and double Olympian Chris Thompson guide you through week twelve of marathon training. In this episode, they're joined by Adele Roberts – broadcaster, DJ, cancer survivor, and Guinness World Record holder – to bring motivation during the hardest phase of marathon training. Adele opens up about how the marathon mindset helped her through cancer and how she's on a mission to complete all six marathon majors in one year… with a stoma. To find out more about Adele’s challenge, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/page/adeleandaudreyruntheworldforcruk This episode is dedicated to Eddie O’Gorman, founder of Children with Cancer UK, who sadly passed away on 19th March 2025. Eddie’s compassion and tireless work helped change the lives of countless families. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, and we honour his legacy through every mile run and every story shared. Timecodes: 4:41 – Adele’s metronomic pacing and Paula’s influence on her mindset 5:30 – Meeting Paula on the Tokyo course and spotting Harry Styles 7:48 – Struggles with hydration and the idea of running with a straw 10:07 – Adele’s peak training week structure and marathon pacing tips 17:00 – Using marathon mindset to get through cancer and chemotherapy 20:00 – Fueling challenges and managing hydration with an ileostomy 28:50 – Setting the first stoma marathon record and inspiring others 29:11 – Music as motivation and building city-specific running playlists 35:00 – Listener questions: hydration packs, strength training, socks & toenails This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes47m

Podcast

London Marathon Race Director Hugh Brasher's Best Race Day Advice!

March 17, 2025

World record-breaking runner Paula Radcliffe and double Olympian Chris Thompson guide you through week eleven of marathon training. With just six weeks to go until the London Marathon, who better to give you the inside scoop than Hugh Brasher, Event Director. In this episode, Hugh shares stories from the marathon’s origins, reveals what’s new for 2025, and gives expert advice on how to have your best race day experience. You’ll learn: ✅ What not to do on race day (so many runners get this wrong!) ✅ The surprising reason London is less crowded despite record numbers ✅ How to plan your pre-race morning for zero stress ✅ The best places for spectators to cheer you on Any questions, please email us: hello@paulasrunpod.com Timecodes: 09:30 – Hugh Brasher on the London Marathon’s origins & his family’s legacy 21:00 – Race day strategy: Hydration, pacing, and avoiding common mistakes 30:00 – What makes the London Marathon so special (crowds, charities, and atmosphere) 40:00 – Hugh’s running goal: Can he break a British record at 60? This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes46m

Podcast

Steve Cram’s Golden Rules for Marathon Success & Paula’s Comeback in Tokyo!

March 3, 2025

World record-breaking runner Paula Radcliffe and double Olympian Chris Thompson guide you through week nine of marathon training. We start though, with Paula's return to marathon running with the highs and lows of her Tokyo Marathon journey, breaking down her sub-3 performance, the perils of going out too fast, and what she learned from the race. Sitting next to Paula is Nicola Carragher, who was running for Alder Hey Children's Charity. Plus, legendary runner, commentator and coach Steve Cram, talks about the importance of pacing, race-day tactics, and how to best prepare before the London Marathon on the day itself. Any questions, please email us: hello@paulasrunpod.com Timecodes: 1:21 - Paula’s Tokyo Marathon Experience 5:48 - Mid-Race Struggles & Adjustments 13:05 - Biggest Takeaways from Tokyo 18:08 - The importance of pacing yourself early 23:19 - Time on feet vs. distance-based training 31:49 – The Power of Mental Strength in Marathons 46:36 – Preparing for the London Marathon Start Line 53:46 – Listener Questions & Recovery Tips This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes57m

Podcast

The Power Playlist! with Christopher Thompson

February 26, 2025

Ever wondered what elite runner Chris Thompson listens to? This week, Jenni Falconer dives into his Power Playlist, uncovering the tunes that keep him moving!

Chris is a man who appreciates great lyrics, and without giving too much away… let’s just say a certain classic by Hanson makes the cut! 👀🎵

If you’re looking for playlist motivation to power your next run, this episode is a must-listen!

Plug in, press play, and let’s hit the road! 🎧🏃‍♂️ #RunPod #RunPodPowerPlaylist

Show notes7m

Podcast

What's The SECRET To Mastering Your Marathon Mindset? (With Dr. Steve Peters)

February 24, 2025

World record-breaking runner Paula Radcliffe and double Olympian Chris Thompson guide you through week eight! In this episode, they're joined by renowned performance psychiatrist and author of 'The Chimp Paradox', Dr. Steve Peters to explore the mental strategies essential for marathon training. They talk about the importance of mindset, the psychological aspects of hitting 'the wall', techniques for pushing through fatigue, and strategies for managing anxiety and adrenaline on race day. Any questions, please email us: hello@paulasrunpod.com Timecodes: 4:43 – Steady Pacing 10:59 – Introducing mental training and how a strong mindset is crucial. 11:52 – Pre-planning responses to fatigue. 17:30 – Mental rehearsal for unforeseen race events and having a clear plan. 19:14 – Tackling the Wall 29:27 – Facing Doubt: Using rational decision-making to counter inner fears. 31:07 – Fuel vs. Feelings 39:22 – Overcoming Late-Race Fatigue: Techniques like distraction and visualising This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes1h 6m

Podcast

Christopher Thompson

February 21, 2025

This week on RunPod, Jenni is joined by endurance running legend Chris Thompson!

With over two decades at the top of the sport, Chris has experienced it all—from winning European silver alongside Mo Farah to a career-defining marathon performance that earned him a spot at Tokyo 2020 just days after becoming a dad.

Jenni explores his remarkable journey, from his Olympic experiences, to the mindset and running tips required to keep pushing the limits. Along the way, Chris shares his passion for running, reflects on the amazing things life can bring, and talks about his latest podcast venture with fellow running icon Paula Radcliffe.

Get ready for an inspiring conversation with a true master of long-distance running!

Show notes57m

Podcast

When Should You Take Your First Gel? Timing Is Everything!

February 17, 2025

World record-breaking runner Paula Radcliffe and double Olympian Chris Thompson guide you through a crucial stage of marathon training—week seven! They discuss long-run strategies, fuelling for performance, and how to train your gut for marathon day. Paula also shares insights on overcoming illness while training and her fuelling experiments leading up to Tokyo. Plus, expert guest Wendy Rogers breaks down the science behind gels, hydration, and how to avoid the dreaded marathon wall. Any questions, please email us: hello@paulasrunpod.com Timecodes: 4:25 – How Paula's adjusted her running after illness. 10:00 – The science behind glycogen depletion. 12:06 – Expert Wendy Rogers on Gels & Hydration 25:00 – Why plain water isn’t enough. 35:18 – Should You Use Caffeine Gels? 39:40 – Should you wear your carbon racing shoes in training? (Q&A) This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes50m

Podcast

How to Train Smarter, Not Harder for Your Marathon! (with Dr. Andy Jones)

February 3, 2025

World record-breaking runner Paula Radcliffe and double Olympian Chris Thompson guide you through week 5 of marathon training. For this episode, they're joined by renowned sports physiologist Dr. Andy Jones, who has worked with elite marathoners (including Paula!) and even played a role in the Breaking2 project. Any questions, please email us: hello@paulasrunpod.com Timecodes: 10:15 – Why economy matters more than VO2 Max 14:00 – Should you change your running form? 17:30 – The importance of running faster than marathon pace in training 22:45 – Marathon fuelling strategies & how avoid the hitting the ‘wall’ 28:00 – The Kenyan secret to marathon success 32:40 – How to adapt your training as you age (Listener Q&A) 37:50 – Training for a marathon in a different time zone (Listener Q&A) 42:15 – Keeping your heart rate in check during training runs (Listener Q&A) This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes48m

Podcast

"Pacing is Everything" The SECRET to Long Runs! (With Harry Judd)

January 27, 2025

World record-breaking runner Paula Radcliffe and double Olympian Chris Thompson guide you through week 4 of marathon training. For this episode, they're joined by McFly drummer and Binge! podcast host Harry Judd. Harry shares his inspiring journey from smoker to running his first marathon, training alongside Joel Dommett for the Amsterdam Marathon, and now chasing sub-3-hour goal at the 2025 London Marathon. You'll also hear expert advice on pacing, recovery, and building confidence! Any questions, please email us: hello@paulasrunpod.com Listen to Harry's podcast 'Binge!' with Alex Jones: https://podfollow.com/1761851010 Timecodes: 02:00 - Week 4 training insights: checking in with your body, shoes, and recovery. 07:30 - Harry Judd’s running journey: from a casual runner to sub-3-hour aspirations. 13:00 - Importance of pacing, flexibility, and mental strategies during training. 17:30 - Tips for long runs, visualisation techniques, and finding motivation. 25:00 - Harry’s specific training plan and tweaks to reach his sub-3 goal. 31:30 - Listener Q&A on treadmills, fueling strategies, and marathon footwear. This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes50m

Podcast

Are You Fuelling Right For Your Run?

January 20, 2025

World record-breaking runner, Paula Radcliffe and double Olympian, Chris Thompson guide you through week three of your marathon training, with expert Dr. Georgie Bruinvels. They share the best strategies for recovery, nutrition, and managing the mental and physical stresses of running. From the science behind ice baths to the link between hydration and glycogen replenishment. Plus, discover how hormones impact training, the best ways to stay healthy during winter, and the small daily habits that make a big difference. Any questions, please email us: hello@paulasrunpod.com Timecodes: 1:40 - The importance of letting go of fear in marathon training 5:00 - Dr. Georgie Bruinvels shares top recovery tips 7:52 - Fuelling and sleep: The two pillars of marathon success 12:47 - Self-monitoring tools: Resting heart rate, hydration, and mood 19:04 - Signs of overtraining and how to adjust 22:44 - Nutrition tips to boost immunity and avoid illness 29:19 - How hormones affect training for both men and women 34:00 - Ice baths: When, why, and how they benefit recovery 40:00 - Small habits for sustained training improvements This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes55m

Podcast

How to Stay Motivated for Marathon Training in Winter!

January 13, 2025

World record-breaking runner, Paula Radcliffe and double Olympian and 2010 European 10,000m silver medallist, Chris Thompson guide you through your second week of marathon training, tackling the challenges of winter marathon training. In this episode, they're joined by former middle and long-distance runner, founder of the Brighton Marathon and commentator, Tim Hutchings, to share their tips to stay motivated, especially when facing setbacks. Any questions, please email us: hello@paulasrunpod.com Timecodes: 5:00 - 7:30: Tips for running safely in icy conditions and when to consider cross-training. 10:00 - 12:00: Paula shares her personal marathon mind games and fueling strategies. 14:29 - 15:40: Tim Hutchings on staying motivated and the mental benefits of running. 20:00 - 23:02: Chris' embarrassing race story and the lesson it taught him about perseverance. 30:00 - 32:00: Listener tips and mantras for marathon success. This podcast proudly supports Children with Cancer UK - Britain's leading childhood cancer charity supporting families and research since 1988. Sadly ten children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK and it is the biggest cause of death in young people under the age of 15. Donate today: https://bit.ly/4h5SoXU to help the charity succeed in its mission to ensure every child and young person survives cancer. To find out more about Children with Cancer UK and see how else you can get involved or get the support you need please visit https://www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk/ Paula's Marathon Run Club is a Viral Tribe Entertainment Production. Exec Produced by James Carpenter and Jon O'Donnell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Show notes39m

Chris Thompson

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