This week’s Running Tales podcast is an unmissable conversation with adventurer, mental health advocate and ultra runner Alex Staniforth.

At just 26, Alex has already become an expert in overcoming challenges.

From epilepsy to a stammer, bullying and mental ill health problems, Alex’s biggest challenges have been close to home.

Running and the great outdoors have helped him to face them down to become a record-breaking adventurer, motivational speaker, author, mental health ambassador and ultra runner.

His incredible story is tinged with sadness as he was part of two of the biggest disasters in the history of Mount Everest.

Alex turned to running again and became the fastest person ever to climb all 100 UK county tops. In 2020 he ran the National Three Peaks Challenge – completing 452 miles in just nine days and 12 hours.

Perhaps his greatest achievement comes as the founder of mental health charity Mind Over Mountains.

Running Tales asked Alex how – and why – he set out on a path truly less travelled:

 

Picture supplied by Alex Staniforth; credit: Daniel Toal