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Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey and Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story.
Proud to be in association with Sport Social Podcast Network.
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Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story.
Ben, Jake & Mike are back in your ears (again).
Jake and Mike relive their very real, very definitive head-to-head at Oaklands ParkRun, with analysis, excuses, and selective memory as they break down what actually happened on the course (and who’s still talking about it). The YouTube vlog exists. The results are final. The banter is ongoing.
Mike also looks ahead to his upcoming Alicante 10K, chatting through race plans, content ideas, and why running abroad automatically feels faster, even if it isn’t.
Throw in some running-world updates, a few games, and the lads doing their absolute best to stay on topic, and you’ve got yourself an episode.
Running chat. Rivalries settled (kind of). Games for good measure.
Press play.
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Ben, Jake & Mike return with another instalment of questionable pacing decisions, bold race entries, and Mike once again hoping this is finally his quiz-winning week.
This week we head back (yes, back again) to Arrow Valley Country Park. There’s also some exciting chatter about Brooks pitching up, the lads trying on fresh trainers before the run, and the confidence boost that only brand-new shoes can bring (guaranteed at least 3 seconds per mile, obviously).
We also dive into the Pairs Sunday action at Centurion Running Club Grand Prix, including the moment Ben officially became a professional athlete… after earning his first-ever running career prize money. Yes, we reveal the amount. No, he’s not retiring yet.
Elsewhere, Ben & Jake have officially booked the Wolverhampton 10K. With an already chaotic March race calendar, we get into goals, expectations, and whether this is peak fitness season… or peak delusion season.
And of course, it wouldn’t be Chasing the Finish without Jake stepping into his quizmaster era. Ben vs Mike. Head-to-head.
Will Mike finally break his losing streak?
Will Ben’s dominance crumble?
Is Jake enjoying this a bit too much?
There’s only one way to find out.
🎧 Hit play.
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Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story.
Mike’s back from Spain… and yes, he did technically run a race.
But more importantly: was the Spanish beer selection elite? Did the sea view meet performance standards? And how quickly can a race recap turn into a holiday review? We get the full breakdown, plus news of Mike’s next Spanish race because apparently one wasn’t enough.
Meanwhile, Ben & Jake took on Babbs Mill parkrun, a course Jake previously swore (on record) he would NEVER do again. Yet here we are. Peer pressure is a powerful thing. They were joined by Jake’s dad, so naturally there’s an official family debrief on how the lads got on and whether Jake’s vow aged well.
We also look ahead to another busy weekend for the CTF crew:
- Which parkrun course is on the cards?
- The next instalment of the Centurion RC Grand Prix
And how much chaos we can realistically fit into one running weekend?
Running chat, questionable decisions, scenic beer analysis, and mild regret... standard behaviour really.
Subscribe for race reports.
Stay for the sea views and broken promises.
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Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story.
Ben, Jake & Mike are back with another chaotic instalment of the CTF Podcast.
This week the lads dive into Mike’s upcoming trip to Alicante, where he’ll be taking on the Alicante 10K (his first ever race abroad). Sunshine, sea views… and the small detail of actually running 10 kilometres without collapsing. What could possibly go wrong?
We also check in on Jake’s CTF Running Bingo challenge. One week in and there’s already a runaway leader. Is it tactical brilliance? Beginner’s luck? Outright cheating? The investigation is ongoing.
Expect travel nerves, questionable preparation, competitive tension, and at least one bold claim that absolutely won’t age well.
Grab a brew, lace up your trainers, and enjoy.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and let us know — would you take on a race abroad?
Ross (The Orange Running Guy fundraiser):
https://www.justgiving.com/page/orangerunningguy?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=020&fbclid=IwdGRjcAQDCiFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeKZeG27Md_74hc2eRojMxw8N4qHcNECOd3WtfDPXb-hVq5msQSvPE-mc19v8_aem_SS3DKmfYbXo2FvFTFhOijw
Donate to Team Chasing the Finish at the Mental Health World Cup 2026:
https://www.givengain.com/project/chasing-the-finish-raising-funds-for-mental-health-world-cup-108914
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Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story.
This week, Ben & Mike spill all the tea from their trip to the NEC for the National Running Show, including the emotional fallout from Harry Judd’s devastatingly failed meet & greet (still hurts).
The lads also lace up for the latest Centurion Running Club Grand Prix race, where legs were tired, egos were tested, and PBs were… discussed.
And finally, the moment you’ve all been waiting for, Jake returns to parkrun! He joins Ben & Mike for his debut at Oaklands Parkrun, a course the boys last survived in the June inferno. This time? Slightly less sun, same questionable decisions.
If you enjoy running chat, mild suffering, and stories that make you feel better about your own training… you’re in the right place.
- Like the video
- Drop a comment
- Hit subscribe
It genuinely helps the channel — and our fragile running confidence.
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Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story.
Jake’s finally back… sun-kissed, married, and emotionally scarred by a Caribbean cruise that involved delays on the way out and the way back. Romance! We get the full honeymoon debrief, including why airports remain the true final boss of endurance sport.
With the National Running Show fast approaching, the lads chat about what they’re most excited for — gear, talks, vibes… while Mike is absolutely, definitely there for the running and not laser-focused on meeting one of his boyband idols. Honest. Promise.
And because bad decisions are kind of our brand, Ben & Mike line up for the Centurion GP again. Second time around, wiser heads? Faster legs? Bigger goals? They talk targets, tactics, and whether learning from last time is overrated anyway.
Running chat, travel chaos, questionable priorities, and ambitious plans — you know the drill.
👉 Hit play, and chase the finish with us.
To Donate to CTF FC at The Mental Health World Cup 2026 at Vicarage Road:
https://www.givengain.com/project/chasing-the-finish-raising-funds-for-mental-health-world-cup-108914
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Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story.
This week, Ben & Mike are joined by Ross Thompson, better known on social media as The Orange Running Guy.
Ross joins the show to talk us through his running journey so far, how it all started, the challenges he’s faced along the way, and where he’s aiming to get to next. From motivation and mindset to the ups and downs of training, we cover everything in between in a relaxed, honest conversation.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner, just getting started, or simply enjoy hearing real stories from the running community, this episode has something for you.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your own running goals or questions for future guests!
Follow The Orange Running Guy:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/orangerunningguy?igsh=MWp5c3dvZnl1dmZncQ==
YouTube - https://youtube.com/@orangerunningguy?si=NFEINLxMOxT1s27W
Strava - https://strava.app.link/zr4IAPk68Zb
Strava Running Group - https://strava.app.link/CptLusn68Zb
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@orangerunningguy?_r=1&_t=ZN-93IIGLIgWMI
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Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story.
On this week's episode Jake’s sailed off into the Caribbean sunset on his honeymoon, leaving Ben & Mike unsupervised… and predictably, they’ve wasted no time at all replacing him. Loyalty? Never heard of it. But the big question is: who’s brave enough to step into Jake’s running shoes?
This week, Ben reports back from his long-awaited return to ParkRun (yes, it finally happened), while Ben & Mike also attempt a midweek run together — an event that raises more questions than it answers. Expect questionable pacing, strong opinions, and at least one questionable life choice.
And of course, we’re joined by our mystery guest replacement for Jake. Was it planned? Was it wise? Was it permanent? You’ll have to listen to find out…
If you've enjoyed this episode please do hit subscribe.
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Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story.
Ben, Jake & Mike return for episode 26, the first of 2026, and the last before Jake swaps running shoes for flip-flops on a Caribbean honeymoon cruise.
The lads break down their running goals for 2026, the events they’re determined to tick off, and the races already in the diary… all discussed with maximum optimism and minimal realism.
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Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story.
Ben, Jake & Mike have somehow been left unsupervised long enough to record the first ever CTF Christmas Special Podcast and frankly, we apologise in advance.
Expect:
🍺 Booze being consumed (responsibly-ish)
🧠 Quizzes of questionable difficulty and even more questionable answers
🏆 Awards no one asked for but everyone will argue about
🔥 Absolute festive chaos (so… a normal CTF episode, really)
There’s nonsense. There’s shouting. There may or may not be logic. And once the drinks kick in, we even dare to look ahead to 2026 which feels ambitious given what’s unfolding here.
Grab a mince pie, lower your expectations, and enjoy the madness.
We Wish You A Merry Xmas by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Artist: http://audionautix.com/
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Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story.
This week on Chasing the Finish… it’s Grand Prix chaos, goose-based déjà vu, sibling rivalry, and Spotify shame.
Ben & Mike kick things off by recapping the Centurion Grand Prix, where one of them definitely ran faster than the other (we won’t say who… but you probably already know).
Then, because they absolutely haven’t talked about it enough, the lads somehow end up discussing the Pickled Goose Run again. At this point it’s practically the third host of the podcast.
They’re joined by Mike’s brother Cam, who tells us what got him into running, shares his favourite parkruns and events, and bravely enters the world of Room 107 (their definitely-not-a-lawsuit version of Room 101).
Finally, the lads reveal their Spotify Wrapped, where Mike is aggressively grilled for his questionable listening habits. There will be judgement. There will be disbelief. There will be playlists that should probably remain private.
👟 Subscribe, like, and join the chaos as the lads chase the finish line… and also Mike’s taste in music.
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Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story.
Ben returns to Babbs Mill ParkRun, just a week after the jubilations of Mike’s PB efforts on that very course. Meanwhile, Mike ventures to Horncastle for the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School ParkRun, ticking off a Q in his quest to complete the ParkRun alphabet — and takes on the course for the first time!
We also dive into the highs, lows, and everything in between from Mike’s Gainsborough 10K race day, where he clocked his second-fastest 10K time yet!
Plus, it’s time for Mike’s game. Can Ben make it 2-0, or will Jake level things up at 1-1? Tune in to find out!
Subscribe & follow for more running chat, PB stories, and ParkRun adventures every week.
To sign up for the Centurion Running Club Grand Prix 2025/26:
https://centurionrc.org.uk/grand-prix
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Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story.
Mike’s still riding the glory wave of his sub-39 at Babbs Mill ParkRun, he’ll tell you about it. Again. And again. Meanwhile, he’s eyeing up the Gainsborough 10K like it’s the Olympics.
Ben braves Sutton Park for a “fun” 1.5K with the kids, and Jake wraps up his charity fundraiser week with a mix of triumph, exhaustion, and questionable life choices.
To round it all off, the lads attempt the impossible — ranking every ParkRun they’ve done together. Which course gets crowned the GOAT, and which one’s getting left in the mud (literally)?
Tune in, grab a brew, and prepare for hot takes, mild complaining, and the occasional motivational quote gone wrong.
To donate to Jake's charity fundraiser:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jake1759133111862
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story.
Jake and Mike take on Leamington parkrun — and THAT hill (you know the one that makes you question every life decision). Jake’s also somehow managed to leave 15 miles of his running challenge to the final week, what could possibly go wrong? Meanwhile, Ben’s scoping out the Broadway Marathon course under the guise of a romantic weekend… and the lads round it all off with Mike’s brand new game. Who wins? Probably not the hill.
To donate to Jake's charity fundraiser:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jake1759133111862
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story.
6 Lads vs. The Napton Hill – Who Survived the 10K?
What happens when six “elite athletes” (aka blokes who should’ve stretched more) take on the infamous Napton 10K? Spoiler: there’s sweat, suffering, and maybe even a few personal bests — but mostly complaining about that hill.
Ben, Jake & Mike were joined by Chris, Fahmi & Tom for the showdown that’s been in the making ever since someone said, “Yeah go on, I’ll sign up too.”
Will anyone conquer the Napton incline without walking?
Will there be glory, pain, or just a pub stop after?
And most importantly — did anyone actually enjoy it?
Tune in to find out how the lads fared in this epic (and slightly chaotic) running adventure!
To donate to Jake's charity fundraiser:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jake1759133111862
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story.
It’s Napton 10K Week!
Seven lads. One race. Unlimited excuses.
In this episode, the gang gears up (mentally, if not physically) for the mighty Napton 10K. You’ll hear from Ben, Jake, and Mike plus Blue Tilley, Chris Pritchard, Fahmi Bulaleh, and Tom Hodson as they share their rigorous race prep routines (which may or may not include carb-loading via the pub menu).
Will anyone actually train? Will someone forget their running shoes? Will Ben finally admit he’s just here for the medal photo? Tune in to find out how this ragtag group of “athletes” plans to survive 10 kilometres of pure character building.
Listen. Laugh. Lower your expectations.
To donate to Jake’s 50 miles in October for Prostate Cancer visit the link below:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jake1759133111862
To donate to Chasing The Finish FC at The Mental Health World Cup 2026 visit the link below:
https://www.givengain.com/project/chasing-the-finish-raising-funds-for-mental-health-world-cup-108914
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story.
Storm Amy? No problem (apparently).
Jake braves Stratford Upon Avon Parkrun for the first time - complete with gale force winds and a questionable life choice or two.
Meanwhile, Mike takes on his second ever half marathon in Lincoln! Expect chaos: rushed starts thanks to traffic, a painful finish-line shuffle, and enough sweat to fill the Brayford Pool.
Oh, and in peak runner energy — Mike just happened to book a romantic weekend away for his and his wife’s 1st wedding anniversary… which, purely by coincidence (honestly!), was right next to the start line of a parkrun. Love may fade, but parkrun results are forever.
Ben brings some devastating half marathon news, while the lads look ahead to Napton only 9 days (on the day of record) away! Will they be ready? Will Jake dry out by then? Will Mike’s wife forgive him? Tune in to find out.
To donate to Jake's charity fundraiser:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jake1759133111862
To view and sign up for the Centurion RC Grand Prix Races, visit below:
https://centurionrc.org.uk/grand-prix
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story.
Jake’s chasing PBs, Simon’s organising actual races, and Mike? Well... Mike’s just trying to survive Jake’s latest game. Spoiler alert: it goes well.
This week the lads are joined by Simon, organiser of the legendary Napton 10k, to talk hills, hydration, and how to convince people running uphill is “fun.”
Plus, the gang gives a very professional and not-at-all chaotic review of their recent trip to Tamworth Castle Grounds.
To book onto Napton 10k 2025:
https://findarace.com/events/napton-10k
To donate to CTF FC at The Mental Health World Cup 2026 visit the link below:
https://www.givengain.com/project/chasing-the-finish-raising-funds-for-mental-health-world-cup-108914
#RunningPodcast #Napton10k #PBOrNotPB #TamworthCastleGrounds
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Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story.
In this episode, Jake laces up for his first ever 10km race in Worcester and somehow manages to break a Personal Best. (Clearly, he’s not just running for the fun of it!) Meanwhile, Ben checks out a potential new parkrun in Birmingham (because who doesn't love a good jog and a potential Saturday morning caffeine buzz?) And while the rest of us are stuck in the cold, Mike’s was out in Spain, training for the Alicante 10k soaking up the sun, dodging San Miguel and pretending he’s not enjoying it way too much.
Oh, and we’ve got some charity event plans in the works... because nothing says "we're serious runners" like giving back while running at the speed of snails.
TUNE IN for laughs, PBs, and a whole lot of questionable running wisdom. You won’t want to miss it!
Miles that Matter Link:To donate to Team CTF at the Mental Health World Cup in 2026 click below!
https://www.givengain.com/project/chasing-the-finish-raising-funds-for-mental-health-world-cup-108914
To donate to a new potential parkrun at Cofton Park, Birmingham:https://www.gofundme.com/f/Longbridgeparkrun?attribution_id=sl:fc73c259-6614-48c3-8b01-d3a799c632a3⟨=en_GB&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link
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Welcome to the running podcast where three mates from Birmingham swap miles for mics and share more than just blisters! Ben Blakeman, Jake Ramsey & Mike Duffy, a trio at very different points on their running journeys, but all equally skilled at dodging training plans and telling a good story.
Jake's back from France! He squeezed in two holiday runs (and plenty of croissants) before hitting another midweek 10k PB in preparation for his first ever official 10k race, the Worcester 10k 2025.
Ben's gone all in and signed up for a trail half marathon in Worcestershire this November. Mud, hills and chaos await...oh, and he's also entered a kids' race (don't panic, he's not elbowing toddlers out the way).
Meanwhile, Mike just can't stop talking about his Wembley 10k (again), throws in a lap around the NEC and treats us all to some truly dodgy accent impressions.
Plus, will Mike finally mount a comeback in Jake's new game or will Ben continue his victory streak?
If you're into running podcasts, 10k training, PB chasing or just hearing runners chat absolute nonsense, this one's for you!Miles that Matter Links:https://www.justgiving.com/page/james-mclaughlin-runthenations-270https://www.fundraising.sands.org.uk/fundraisers/amytolliday/walk-100k-september-25
#runningpodcast #10ktraining #Worcester10k #halfmarathontraining #PBChasers #trailrunning #funnypodcast #runningcommunity #Wembley10k #runnerslife #ukrunning
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