TV and radio presenter Jenni Falconer is a multi-talented entrepreneur and seasoned marathon runner. She champions the running community as the host of the hit RunPod podcast and is a regular speaker at The National Running Show.
1. How did you get involved with The National Running Show, and what was your initial experience of it like?
I’ve been involved with The National Running Show for a number of years now through RunPod, where I record a live episode at the event, and for a few years my supplement brand, Kollo, also had a stand there. It felt like a natural fit because running has always been such a huge part of my life.
My first experience of the show was genuinely incredible. The scale of it really struck me – huge crowds of people all brought together by a shared love of running. It felt a bit like being a kid in a sweet shop as a runner! Everywhere you looked there was something exciting to discover, whether it was the latest gear, inspiring speakers or opportunities to meet fellow runners. What I loved most was seeing people of every age, background and ability in one room. You had complete beginners standing alongside marathon veterans, all united by the same passion.
2. What are the biggest changes you've seen over the years?
The most obvious change is the size of the show – it seems to grow every year, which is fantastic to see. It’s a real reflection of how much running has grown in popularity and how many people are discovering the sport.
What I particularly love is that the event has evolved to celebrate every type of runner. Whether you’re into parkruns, trail running, ultras, marathons, or you’re just starting your running journey, there’s something for everyone. The message has become even more inclusive over the years: all runners are welcome, and that’s something that really comes across when you’re there.
3. Do you have any funny and/or memorable standout moment(s) from any of the shows?
One of my favourite stories I’ve heard at the show came from ultra-runner Dean Karnazes whilst we were recording an episode of RunPod. He was talking about setting a world record running continuously on a platform in Times Square, NYC. Since he couldn’t leave the platform, there was a bucket and a curtain for when nature called!
The funny part was that when the time came, he stepped behind the curtain expecting a bit of privacy, only to discover there was a helicopter broadcasting live from above. Suddenly his not-so-private toilet break had a rather larger audience than he’d planned for! It’s one of those stories that always sticks with me because it’s such a brilliantly unexpected consequence of chasing a world record.
4. What do you think makes The National Running Show special?
For me, it’s the camaraderie. There’s such a positive, feel-good atmosphere throughout the entire event. Running is something incredibly simple, just putting one foot in front of the other, yet it has this amazing ability to bring people from all walks of life together.