Runner's World Pre-Marathon Shake-Out

Are you a budding marathon runner? Maybe you've signed up for a 26.2-miler this year or you're thinking of setting yourself a big goal for 2026. At Runner's World, we want to make sure you know what to expect and how to get the most out of your training and the day itself.

Ahead of this year's London Marathon, join us on Saturday 26th April at the impressive Samsung KX store for an optional 4km shakeout run and Q&A. Hosted by the Runner's World editors, hear from entrepreneur and Guiness World Record holder Spencer Matthews, and BBC broadcaster and RW columnist Sophie Raworth, on their marathon experiences and top tips for success.

During the morning, you can also treat yourself to an express massage or get your hair ready for the big race with Battle Braids if you're running the London Marathon the next day. You'll receive a Runner's World goodie bag worth over £30.

You're welcome to join us for both the run and Q&A or just the latter - simply confirm by the ticket type.

Book today to grab some last-minute tips ahead of the big day and we'll see you there!

AGENDA

• 10:00am: Runner guest arrival, welcome tea & coffee
• 10:20am: 4km shake-out run, guided by RW Editor, Andy Dixon
• 10:30am: Q&A only guest arrival, welcome tea, coffee & pastries
• 11:05am: Q&A
• 11:50am: Browse our runner activations including a Battle Braiding station
• 1.00pm: Event closes

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

SPENCER MATTHEWS

Father of three, Spencer Matthews founded Clean, a no-alcohol alternative to your favourite drinks, back in 2019. With stockists across the country – from Sainsbury’s to Tesco – the company launched with Clean Gin and has since expanded to include Clean Rum, Tequila, and Vodka. Spencer has also now been named the brand ambassador of UK leading brand, M&S.

In August 2024, Spencer became a Guiness World Record holder for the most marathons ran consecutively on sand in 30 days. The 30 Marathons in 30 Days, raised over £600,000 for Global’s Make Some Noise charity.  In late February this year, Spencer ran for 24 hours and completed 4 marathons within this time, which was done round a track.

Currently, he is the host of the UNTAPPED podcast which is a thought-provoking deep dive into the minds and experiences of incredible individuals from the world of sports, science and more.  

Previously, you will have seen him co-presenting BBC Sounds’ hugely successful podcast alongside Jamie Laing “6 Degrees with Jamie and Spencer” and Global’s hugely popular podcast, “Spencer & Vogue” alongside his wife, Vogue Williams which was taken on a live tour in UK and Ireland 2023.  In 2022 Spencer launched his own podcast for Global Player, Big Fish. Regularly the number 1 business podcast, Big Fish, has hosted guests such as Gordon Ramsey, Jo Malone, and Piers Morgan.  

2023 saw the release of his globally successful Disney documentary, Finding Michael, in which he travelled to Everest to find the body of his brother, Michael Matthews, who went missing 23 years ago. Nims Purja and Bear Grylls executive produced the show with Shine and The Natural Studios.  

Spencer is now recognised as a popular motivational speaker, having spoken recently at The House of Lords and at the Shackleton Society at Eton College, which is very close to Spencer’s heart.  

In 2021 Spencer came 69th out of 840 in the Marathon Des Sables, a trail with a 50% drop out rate and one of the hardest races on earth. He is also a Jiu Jitsu 2 stripe blue belt He has completed 5 marathons, has an accelerated free fall licence with 23 jumps under his belt and was an Ice Ultra competitor. Spencer then became the 3rd place winner in the Jungle Ultra Marathon in June 2023, fighting his way through 230km of the Amazon Rainforest. 

A keen cook, Spencer Matthews was a runner up on both the BBC’s “Celebrity Masterchef” and “Celebrity Christmas Masterchef.”  He has had two successful series with Vogue on E4 which can now both be seen on Netflix.  

Spencer is a director of The Michael Matthews Foundation, a charity set up by the family in memory of his brother Michael who sadly passed away at the young age of 22. Currently, around 4000 children are being educated at schools supported by MMF. The Charity’s focus is to provide an education to those whom without help would be unlikely to receive one at all. MMF also focuses on the construction of durable school buildings, and in particular dormitories for girls – tangible assets which deliver lasting benefits. Spencer has visited Tanzania several times in the last few years to assist in any way possible and will continue to do so. 

SOPHIE RAWORTH

Sophie Raworth is a BBC broadcaster and devoted distance runner. She boasts a marathon PB of 3:27 and has completed all six of the World Marathon Majors, as well as the Marathon des Sables, a seven-day ultramarathon in the Sahara Desert dubbed “the world’s toughest footrace”. Sophie is particularly passionate about encouraging women of all ages to take up running, having begun her own running journey in her late 30s. In her monthly Runner’s World column, ‘Raworth on the Run’, she discusses the ups and downs of her own running journey, as well as broader themes such as injury, super shoes and mental strength. Sophie has run 20 marathons in total, but London was her first – and she’ll be back again this year. In her words: ‘Running has taught me I’m capable of more than I thought. Quite simply, it makes me happy.’

ANDY DIXON

Andy has been Editor-in-Chief of Runner’s World UK since 2007. When he started the job he’d never run a race before, but following the brand’s own advice, he has since run 24 marathons, including all six Marathon Majors and London 10 times, where he managed to go under three hours in 2013. During his time on Runner’s World, he’s gone toe-to-toe with Mo Farah and picked out the greatest running haircuts. Nowadays he runs mainly for headspace and me-time, but plans to do more trail and ultra races when family life permits.

JENNIFER BOZON

Jennifer is Membership Director at Runner’s World, overseeing RW’s new membership programme, Runner’s World Club. She has been with the brand for 3.5 years, previously working as deputy digital editor, and has interviewed an abundance of awe-inspiring athletes during this time, from top-tier ultrarunners and Olympic champions to everyday runners who have accomplished extraordinary things. Jennifer has been a sports journalist for 10 years; she is the former editor of Women’s Running magazine and has also worked as Sports Editor at Red Bull. She started running over a decade ago and likes to dabble in triathlon a little, too.

RACHEL BOSWELL

Rachel is Runner's World UK's Senior Content Writer, covering all running-related topics from training advice and gear reviews to race reports and elite runner profiles. Formerly a Website Content Editor and Content Manager at London Marathon Events and The Running Channel respectively, Rachel is well-versed in the running scene and understands what it takes to put on some of the biggest running events in the world. A 2:50 marathoner, she would much rather run 26.2 miles than race a 5K and, to date, has completed 12 marathons, including all six Abbott World Marathon Majors in a sub-3 time.

THE RUN ROUTE

Two 2km laps, totaling 4km. Option to just complete one 2km lap if preferred.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Full details of Hearst Event T&Cs , Hearst Terms & Conditions, Hearst Data Protection & Hearst Privacy Notice.

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FAQs

Is the run compulsory? No, you're welcome to join us for the Q&A and panel discussion only, please arrive from 10.30am.

How long is the run? The run is 2 loops of 2km around Coal Drops Yard so you're welcome to do one loop for 2km or two loops for 4km.

What is the refund policy? Please note that tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

Do I need to bring my ticket to the event? You will need to bring your ticket to the event but this can be on your phone or printed. You will receive an email from Eventbrite which will include a PDF of your ticket. Please ensure you have this attachment to gain entry to the venue.

Where can I contact the organiser with any questions? Please email hearstevents@hearst.co.uk

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Please note:

Voucher codes and gift vouchers will not be accepted for this event. We reserve the right to refuse tickets and/ or entry to our events at our sole discretion.

By attending our events, you agree to abide by our code of conduct and behaviour guidelines. This ensures a respectful, safe, and inclusive environment for all participants. We reserve the right to refuse tickets and/or entry to our events at our sole discretion if these standards are not met.

The event includes physically challenging elements and carries with it risks that we cannot entirely eliminate.

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Rules

• Please act responsibly and sensibly at all times.
• We are not qualified to express an opinion that you are fit to safely participate. You must be comfortable that you are fit to safely participate and if you have any concerns, please obtain specialist advice from your doctor before participating.
• Do not participate if you are under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs.
• Make sure you follow any safety warnings or instructions displayed or given to you by a member of The Runners' World Team,and ask a member of the team if you are unclear.
• In the absence of any negligence or other breach of duty by us, participation in Pre-marathon shake-out is entirely at your risk.