In this episode we speak to the late Joss Naylor a titan of fell running, whose feats across the Lake District's rugged terrain are the stuff of legend. We are also joined by Peter Trainor who shares his memories of running with Joss and the evolution of fell shoes.

Joss Naylor MBE 1936-2024

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Steve Chilton delves into the rich history and personal tales behind the Yorkshire Three Peaks Race, as chronicled in his latest book. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of this iconic event, Steve's work is a deep dive into the endurance race that has become a cornerstone of the UK's fell running calendar.

itsahill.wordpress.com

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Pete Todhunter shares his insights on the exhibition's creation and its significance in preserving the legacy of the sport. 

runningintfells.com

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In this episode, we delve into Richard Askwith's celebrated works, discuss the legacy of Walsh PBs in the sport, and tackle the topic of running as a lifelong journey, embracing the challenges and triumphs of ageing.

richardaskwith.co.uk

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In this bonus episode we chat with fell runner and shoe designer Harry Bolton who takes us through his work on the new fell and trail shoes he designed for Ron Hill.

ronhill.com

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We visit the Norman Walsh factory in Bolton to hear about the history and production of the PB fell shoe

normanwalshuk.com

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In this new series we speak to the runners. First off is writer and musician, Boff Whalley.

boffwhalley.com

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(Chumbawamba. 1988. The Cutty Wren (Part 1). English Rebel Songs 1381-1914)

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In this episode, we sit down with the legendary hill runner, Finlay Wild. We delve into his numerous wins at the Ben Nevis race, and discuss the unique challenges of hill running. Finlay also talks about the iconic Walsh PB fell shoes, and how they have supported him in his numerous adventures.

gomountaingoats.com

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We caught up with fell runner and cartoonist Jim Tyson at the close of the Running Int’ Fells exhibition in Ambleside.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JimTysonIllustration

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In this episode, Danny Hope of Horwich Harriers discusses his running journey and his commitment to sustainability. Danny reveals how he came to be supported by Norman Walsh and what it means to represent a brand with such a storied legacy.

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Bobby Gard-Storry narrates his essay which was discussed in the previous episode.

The essay can be found at the link below and in issue 135 (Winter 2023) of The Fellrunner.

https://www.spidershankes.com/thefellracingethic

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Merry Christmas and welcome to The Golden Rule in Ambleside. Get yourself something from the bar and join Bobby Gard-Storry as he talks to us about his fell racing manifesto. The essay can be found at the link below and in issue 135 (Winter 2023) of The Fellrunner.

https://www.spidershankes.com/thefellracingethic

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In this bonus episode, Jacob Tonkin joins us to talk about the film ‘George’, the power of storytelling, navigating grief, and what it’s like to inherit a podcast.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/jacob-tonkin-1

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In this episode of Studmarks, we chat with Calvin Ferguson about his love for Norman Walsh shoes and what makes them a staple in fell running. He also shares insights into his family’s deep ties to the sport, including the legacy of his grandfather, Don Ashton, a respected name in fell running history.

Don Ashton Memorial Tockholes Fell Race

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Archive Audio- Secrets of Running 1934

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Harry Bolton returns to Studmarks to dive into the details of the highly anticipated Ron Hill Freedom Ultra. We discuss the design, performance, and innovation behind this new shoe—how it handles on the trails and what sets it apart.

www.ronhill.com/collections/footwear

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Archive audio- The Next Steps for Running Shoes 1972

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In this episode, we sit down with Tony Leonard, General Manager of VJ UK, to dive into the rich heritage of the brand and explore how the iconic iRock became a go-to choice for fell runners. We also touch on Tony’s own running journey, along with that of his wife Sharon and their son Rory Leonard — who currently holds the record for the fastest British 10K. It’s a mix of running passion, family dedication, and insight into one of the sport’s most respected footwear brands.

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Archive Audio- Smart Trainers 1987

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In this episode of Studmarks, we sit down with John Mason and Ellis Bland, the founder and co-founder of Våga—a bold running brand born in the Lake District during the pandemic. They share the inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a globally recognised name in the running world. We also dive into their personal running stories and hear Ellis reflect on the iconic Walsh PB fell shoe and what it means to him. 

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This week, we’re joined by Chris Farrimond, a fell runner from Wigan. Chris talks about finding his way into the sport just before the world shut down in 2020, the people that keep him inspired and, of course, those iconic handmade shoes from Bolton.

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Archive audio- Is Wigan becoming too modern? 1970

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In this episode, we're joined by the authors of Mountain Style: British Outdoor Clothing 1953-2000 to dig into the fascinating journey behind their book. We explore how the project came together, the role of class in shaping outdoor fashion, and how technical mountain wear made the unlikely leap from rugged trails to football terraces. It's a deep dive into subcultures, style, and the surprising intersections of fashion, function, and identity.

isolapress.com/shop/mountain-style

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Archive audio- The Matterhorn (1965)

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In this episode, we chat with Stuart Smith, International Mountain Leader, who shares stories from a life spent in the world’s wildest places. From breathtaking expeditions to unexpected challenges on the fells, Stuart offers a window into the highs, lows, and humour of life in the mountains. We also dive into the gear that’s accompanied him on countless adventures, touching on iconic brands like Walsh, Reebok, and Karrimor, and discussing how equipment shapes the mountain experience.

soft Mick

1. (slang, British, idiomatic) An extravagant person.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Hayden Thorpe — singer, songcrafter — for a rich conversation about his evocative album Ness. Inspired by Robert Macfarlane’s haunting epic poem of the same name and visually brought to life by illustrator Stanley Donwood, Ness is a bold fusion of music, literature, and landscape. Hayden shares how he approached adapting the poem into song, the creative process behind the album, and why the mysterious setting of Orford Ness became such a powerful source of inspiration.

We also explore Hayden’s upbringing in the Lake District, discussing how place and nature continue to shape his creative work. Plus, he shares his love of running and some memorable tales from the fells.

haydenthorpe.com

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In this episode of Studmarks, we sit down with David Lund—fell runner, artist, and creator of the much-loved fell runner caricatures.

We dive into what first pulled him toward the fells and explore the story behind Art of Fell Running, his fantastic book of caricatures that celebrates the people who make the fell running world what it is.

You can pick up Art of Fell Running at Pete Bland Sports and Kong Running.

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Archive audio- L S LOWRY on his PAINTING TECHNIQUE (1957)

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This episode of Studmarks features the legendary Darren Fishwick, whose obsession with fell racing is matched only by his unmistakable humour. Darren shares what keeps him hooked on the fells, the characters he’s met along the way, and how his race reports for The Fellrunner magazine accidentally became a beloved tradition.

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Archive audio- World Record Marathon (1952)

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Studmarks welcomes David Taylor, the Fell Running Guide, for a chat on smart training, essential nav skills, and taking on the big rounds. David also explains how he supports runners through his coaching and guiding work. A great listen for anyone wanting to level up their fell running.

fellrunningguide.co.uk

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Archive audio- The Peak District (1954)

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Elt Angle-Smith joins Studmarks for a deeply personal conversation about running with ADHD and autism. We talk honestly about social anxiety at races, finding safety in the fells, and how neurodivergence shapes training, competition, and identity.

We also revisit a modern fell running classic — the Salomon Fellraiser.

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Archive Audio- Could the New Craze of Jogging be a Health Risk? (1979)

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We’re joined by Will Barton to break down a huge year of racing at the sharp end of the sport. Will talks us through his win at Kentmere Fell Race, a top-ten finish at the Yorkshire Three Peaks (with a timely assist from pickle juice), racing out in Spain, and pulling on his first ever pair of Walsh’s. One of the most exciting runners around right now, Will gives a great insight into what it takes to compete at the front of fell racing — and makes for a cracking guest.

Thank you for listening. Find us on Facebook and Instagram or join us in our WhatsApp community — where the fell chat continues.

Archive Audio- Kilnsey Show

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Rough, ready, and completely unedited — Steve Chilton, Mark Roberts, and Andrew ‘Scoff’ Schofield talk all things Bob Graham Round.

Scoff dials in on his phone, Mark’s on the white wine in his van, and the stories flow as they share experiences, laughs, and reflections on how the Round — and fell running itself — has changed over the years.

If you want to go deeper into the history of the Bob Graham Round and the legendary era of Billy Bland, check out Steve Chilton’s books The Round and All or Nothing at All — both brilliant deep dives into the people, performances, and stories that shaped fell running.

https://itsahill.wordpress.com/

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Arthur Hill joins us to talk through his astonishing Winter Bob Graham Round record. We dive into the planning, training and nutrition that made it possible, as well as the mental side of taking on one of the toughest challenges in the sport. Arthur also shares the realities of balancing a full-time job with something that can demand huge amounts of time, energy and money. A brilliant guest whose humility and deep love for The Round is genuinely infectious.

Thank you for listening. Find us on Facebook and Instagram or join us in our WhatsApp community — where the fell chat continues.

Archive Audio- Natural Born Fell Runner

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In this bonus episode, we sit down with Evan Soule, Creative Lead at LANX, to talk about the collaboration between LANX and Walsh. We explore how the partnership came together, and Evan also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, from initial concept through to execution.

Thank you for listening. Find us on Facebook and Instagram or join us in our WhatsApp community — where the fell chat continues.

Archive Audio- The Lancashire Way

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In this episode of Studmarks, Fran Blackett joins us to share her journey from her very first steps into fell running to becoming an award-winning coach. She reflects on the lessons learned along the way, the challenges she’s faced, and what it takes to support others in the sport.

We also explore the importance of female-only spaces in running, why they matter, and how they can help more women feel confident and supported on the fells. Fran gives an honest and refreshing insight into returning to running after childbirth.

A thoughtful and inspiring conversation about resilience, community, and carving your own path in the sport.

runlikeahaggis.com

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Archive Audio- Women's Aaa Champs Aka Women's Athletics (1955)

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Harry Bolton returns to Studmarks to lift the lid on the next evolution of RonHill footwear — the all-new Reverence 2 and SL. After the strong debut of the original model, we dive into how it was received out on the fells and what runners really thought when they put it to the test.

Harry walks us through how real-world feedback — from grip and feel to durability and performance in rough terrain — directly shaped the design changes in the new shoes.

If you’re into kit, design, or just want to understand how a shoe evolves from version one to version two, this one’s for you.

Thank you for listening. Find us on Facebook and Instagram or join us in our WhatsApp community — where the fell chat continues.

Archive Audio- Queen Starts Marathon (1962)

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In this episode, Mike Boston—footwear designer behind the new OMM range—takes us inside the journey from concept to creation of a fresh line of fell and trail running shoes. He shares what it’s like building a product category from the ground up with a brand new to footwear, the challenges of designing for harsh terrain, and the key decisions that shaped the range.

Mike also offers his perspective on where running shoe design is heading—what’s next in performance, materials, and innovation—and how brands can better serve runners who demand more from their kit in the mountains.

A deep dive into design, function, and the future of running shoes.

Thank you for listening. Find us on Facebook and Instagram or join us in our WhatsApp community — where the fell chat continues.

Archive Audio- Coal Fire Slippers | Blue Peter (1971)

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In this episode of Studmarks, we sit down with Carol Morgan for a raw and honest conversation about what it really means to keep going when things don’t come easy.

Carol shares her journey into fell running and the defining role persistence has played along the way. Her story is one of grit and refusal to quit — nowhere more evident than in her multiple attempts at the Bob Graham Round. What stands out isn’t just the achievement, but the mindset behind it: a stubbornness that, in her case, becomes a superpower.

We also widen the lens to explore the female experience in endurance sport. Carol speaks openly about the realities of training through different life stages — from the impact of periods to navigating the menopause — and how these factors are still too often overlooked in performance conversations. It’s an honest, necessary discussion about resilience, adaptation, and the quiet determination to not feel like an outlier in a space that hasn’t always made room.

Thank you for listening. Find us on Facebook and Instagram or join us in our WhatsApp community — where the fell chat continues.

Archive Audio- 1992 Dragon's Back Race

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