We couldn’t have done it without…

Rachel Ifans Rachel started running ‘properly’ in her

THE TEAM

SENIOR EDITOR Esther Newman SENIOR ART EDITOR Alex

Hello!

ISSUE 195 || MARCH 2026 Broadly speaking, women

LIFESTYLE

Headlines || People || Food || Kit || Health || Opinion

Spine-chilling results on Pennine Way

Did you follow the incredible progress of our top ultrarunners on the iconic Winter Spine?

NEW GEAR

This month’s new releases shine a light on small start-ups and big-name brands alike

Train my brain to run better?

Running is as much a mental sport as it is a physical one, so how can you train your mind to improve performance?

HEALTH

The latest nutrition, beauty and health headlines. Because running doesn’t end at your feet

Lillie Bleasdale

Despite initially hating running, Lillie persisted through illness and is now a proud sub-3-hour marathoner

FUEL

The latest nutrition to nourish your body and fuel your running

KEEP TABS ON YOUR PROGRESS

LIFE COACH Laura Fountain is a running coach,

INJURY CLINIC Lower Back Pain

A weak core and a sedentary work life can lead to back pain that rears its head when you really don’t want it to – on a run!

Adidas Manchester Marathon

Lauren Knott credits the support you get at the Manchester Marathon to achieve your best time

Is heart rate variability the most important metric for improving your fitness?

Our understanding of HRV has deepened tremendously in the last decade, but is it the most important insight into our body’s performance?

FREE RUNBUDS PRO HEADPHONES when you subscribe

Dear gorgeous runner, As we head into spring,

Running mates

This month, we talk about encouraging new runners, running marathons with family, and the age-old issue of finding a well-fitting sports bra

Grace Maddocks

Grace, 35, is a communications professional, from Shropshire

THE GARMIN GIRLS

A Nottinghamshire-based group of colleagues who work and run together

Can UTMB be for ALL of us?

The Ultra Trail de Mont Blanc is something that many of us love to watch every year – it’s our version of the Tour de France! So us normal runners would never take part… would we?

Why run UTMB?

We spoke to Isabelle Viseux-Poletti, UTMB Director for France (and daughter of UTMB founders Catherine and Michel Poletti), and Florian Lamblin, Executive Director of UTMB International, to learn more about the UTMB World Series

Your questions answered

Whether carbs are critical, help with heel pain and how to strengthen your back. Plus, an ace motivational tip

ULTRA-TRAIL CAPE TOWN

Katie Brook flew to South Africa, not once but twice, to take part in some gruelling off-road races

BERLIN HALF MARATHON

Gill Bland took to the streets of Berlin to sightsee, drink tea and test its flat profile and awesome crowd support

FINISH LINE FEELS!

Get race ready with the next issue of Women’s Running out Thursday 26 March

DIARY

The days of only having start-run-finish races to choose from are long gone. In recent years, race organisers have got creative and there’s now a wide range of backyard ultras, time-limited routes, women-only events as well team entries, relays and fun runs. We’ve rounded up the best we could find for spring and summer 2026, so take your pick. And see you on the start line!

Sharon Lokedi

Kenyan Sharon Lokedi is an inspiring distance runner, posting stunning results right from the start

Trail running Adventure calls on the alpine trails

Sabrina is off and running when it comes to trail adventures, but if you’re new to it, she’s happy to hold your hand

Annie Brooks

Annie Brooks is a runner and triathlete who credits sport as keeping her sane when she was diagnosed with epilepsy

Running away from rage

When the rude behaviour of her husband’s cancer nurse made Lisa Jackson so angry that she thought she would burst into flames, she knew there was only one thing that could save her: going for a run

COACH

Half marathon guide 10K training plans || How

Half Marathon Skills

How to train, fuel, and recover for your strongest race yet

10K TRAINING PLANS

The nice thing about running is that the goals are so varied, you can endlessly progress in different ways. Here are three 10K training plans that will get you to the finish line no matter your current level and ambition

Fernanda Maciel

Fernanda Maciel’s relentless dedication, resilience and love for exploration have earned her a top spot in the ultra-running world

KIT

Shoes || Clothes || Tech

ESSENTIAL KIT

Putting your next trainers through their paces

ESSENTIAL TOPS

The all-important top layer needs to look good, feel great and perform well

GROUP TEST LEGGINGS

For many of us, it’s not quite shorts weather yet…

ESSENTIAL TECH

Should you shell out the cash for top kit at home?

Long-distance TEST

Laura throws off her usual black in favour of these beauties

BOOTCAMP

Ultra inspiration || W orkout || Perfect form

ULTRA WOMAN

Once in a while, a runner comes along who just takes your breath away: Ioana Barbu is one of those runners. By demonstrating her strength and perseverance, she is inspiring a whole new generation of women runners

Yoga flow for marathon runners

Yoga is the ultimate double whammy. Or should that be triple? It builds strength, adds invaluable stretching to your training week and it’s really relaxing. Yep, that’s the hat trick! Have fun with this simple eight-step sequence of classic yoga poses to see you through any intense block of training injury-free

Stability ball back extension

Improve your posture and back strength with this at-home or at-the-gym exercise. Combined with a relaxed upper body, it will enable you to power your arms and boost your running performance