Sam is an ultra-distance trail runner based on the South Downs Way. His path into running is one of recovery, resilience, and rebuilding.

Originally a footballer and boxer, Sam turned to running during a difficult chapter of his life: battling mental illness and substance misuse. Running helped him get sober, reconnect with himself, and rebuild a life with purpose.

Since then, he’s racked up top finishes in some of the UK’s hardest races, including a top 10 finish at the Winter Spine (268 miles) and 2nd place at the Centurion Winter Downs 200. But his impact goes far beyond racing.

Sam has helped set up a trail running club on the South Downs that’s home to over 100 members from all walks of life, some of them recovering from addiction or dealing with personal struggles. It’s a space where people find support, connection, and a reason to lace up again.

This year, Sam’s focused on the UTMB UTS 165 in North Wales. As always, he’s using running to dig deep - not just physically, but mentally too.

His story is a reminder that running can change lives and that community can carry you further than you ever thought possible.

For Sanna Duthie, trail running isn’t just a sport; it’s her therapy. Her escape. Her happy place. It’s the thing that helps her feel like the best, strongest version of herself.

Whatever her motives, it works. Sanna is a winning machine.

Based in Pembrokeshire, it all started with a simple goal: run from her house to the beach. Then back. Then a few local races. Then a 50-miler. Fast forward, and she’s now the course record holder at the Pembrokeshire 100, Beacons Way 100, and Ultra Trail Wales. She’s also clocked up five FKTs and has an ever-growing list of accolades to her name.

Sanna's journey has had its challenges - from injuries due to overtraining, to learning the hard way about fuelling and recovery. But she’s built her wisdom over time: splitting runs to manage fatigue, embracing strength training (even if she hates the gym), and listening to her body.

One of her proudest achievements? Running the full Pembrokeshire Coast Path in just over 51 hours. She raised funds for Wales Air Ambulance and has since been invited to speak publicly about her experience, sharing with others how trail running transformed her life.

As Sanna says, “Running brings me hope. It makes me feel strong. And if you’ve got something that makes you feel that way, you’ve got to hold on to it.”

Meet Kallum Pritchard, Derby-born and now based in North West London. There aren’t many trails near home these days, but that hasn’t stopped Kallum from putting in the miles and stacking up wins.

His first ever race? A 50-miler. At 18. No racing background, no training plan. He went out like a rocket for 20 miles, then crawled the next 30. Brutal, but unforgettable. Ten years later, he returned to that same race stronger, smarter… and won it.

That comeback tells you a lot about who he is.

A former Royal Marine, Kallum knows a thing or two about discipline and pushing through pain. But it wasn’t until he started training smarter, not just harder, that things really clicked. He’s now a regular podium finisher with a course record at the Robin Hood 100 and big goals for the year ahead.

His training is all about consistency and specificity. No mountains nearby? He hits the treadmill for incline work. No time for massive training runs? He splits mileage across the day, morning and evening, to make it work.

Oh, but he still gets told off mid-race by his coach over WhatsApp for going out too fast. Some things never change.