Virgin Radio UK presenter Emma B has launched a new visualised podcast documenting her first marathon journey.
I Can Run A Marathon follows Emma as she trains for the London Marathon for the very first time, partnering with the British Heart Foundation and inviting listeners and viewers to follow every stage of her preparation.
New episodes are released every Thursday for 16 weeks, charting the physical and emotional reality of taking on the iconic 26.2-mile challenge.
The podcast is guided by Virgin Radio UK breakfast presenter Chris Evans’ well known running book 119 Days to Go, which provides a structured framework for Emma’s training.
Across the series, Emma shares honest updates on her progress, the setbacks along the way, and the motivation needed to keep going as marathon day approaches.
Alongside Emma’s personal story, the podcast features a range of guests who have overcome their own challenges.
Contributors include Helen Thorn from Scummy Mummies, model and runner Nell McAndrew, Olympic long-distance athlete Eilish McColgan, and Vernon Thomas, the 81 year old Team GB duathlete who ran in the very first London Marathon.
Signing up for the marathon marks a major moment for Emma after several difficult years.
Following a breast cancer diagnosis in 2021, surgery, navigating the menopause, and caring for elderly parents, she has spoken openly about how stepping up to the challenge represents a turning point.
Speaking to Chris Evans on his Breakfast Show, Emma said the period after her diagnosis left her feeling stuck and disconnected from her old self.
She explained that rebuilding her fitness felt like the biggest hurdle, and choosing to train for one of the world’s most famous marathons gave her something positive to focus on.
Emma said sharing the journey publicly was important to show what is possible, particularly for women who are often underrepresented in sport and fitness media.
She said the podcast is about more than running, aiming to challenge assumptions about women in their late forties and fifties and to show that they are capable of far more than society often expects.
By combining expert advice, personal reflection, and inspirational stories, the podcast positions itself as both a practical guide and a source of motivation.
I Can Run A Marathon is available on podcast platforms and YouTube, with new episodes released every Thursday as Emma counts down to marathon day.
