If you’ve never heard of Damian Hall, prepare to be inspired.
This week’s episode of Earthy Stuff – Lichfield Radio’s very own sustainability podcast – features one of the most remarkable figures in the world of ultra-running, environmental activism and authentic storytelling. And trust us, once you’ve heard his story, you won’t forget it.
A Runner Like No Other
Damian Hall is many things – ultra-runner, author, coach, speaker and passionate environmental activist. What makes his story particularly extraordinary is it that wasn’t until his mid-30s when running really came into his life. He ran his debut marathon at 36 – dressed as a toilet, no less – and from that gloriously unconventional starting point, something extraordinary was unleashed.
Now, at 50, Damian competes at an elite level that most seasoned athletes half his age would envy. He has broken records and claimed victories across some of the toughest races on the planet, including the gruelling 268-mile ‘Spine Race’ in 2023 and the 100-mile ‘Lakeland 100’ in 2025. He has completed multiple FKTs, or ‘Fastest Known Times’ – among them, a staggering 630-mile run along the South West Coast Path. That’s one of the longest FKTs ever recorded in the UK. He has also taken on the near-mythical ‘Barkley Marathons’ three times, a feat that alone earns legendary status in the ultra-running world.
Running With Purpose
But for Damian, running has never been purely about the miles. Climate activism sits at the very heart of everything he does, and it’s this combination of physical brilliance and environmental conscience that makes him such a compelling voice.
He is the co-founder of The Green Runners, a UK-based, community-led running collective on a mission to reduce the environmental impact of the sport we love. Whether you’re a parkrunner, a weekend trail enthusiast or a seasoned ultra-runner, The Green Runners is a community built for you. They make it easy and encouraging to make more sustainable choices, without any of the guilt or preachiness – just like-minded people who love running and care about the planet they run on.
If you’re a runner, we’d wholeheartedly encourage you to head over to their website and sign up. Find out more at thegreenrunners.com.
A Brand New Book – Out Now
If the episode leaves you hungry for more – and we hope it will – Damian also has a brilliant new book out right now. Run Forever, released on 9th April, is a fantastic read and one we highly recommend picking up. His previous book, We Can’t Run Away From This, explored running’s complicated relationship with the environment, and Run Forever continues that thoughtful, honest, and deeply personal tradition:
Is it inevitable that our running performance slides as we get into our forties and beyond? Or are there things we can do to slow or pause the decline and harness the benefits of age? In Run Forever, Damian Hall examines the reasons why our strength and speed might deteriorate, yet how it isn’t certain if we do something about it. With contributions from Renee McGregor and Pete Stables.
Whether you run or not, his writing has a way of getting under your skin in the very best way.
This book is now available on audio book and in print. You can get a copy for yourself here.
Listen Now
This is one of those conversations that stays with you. Earthy Stuff host Jessica sat down with Damian to talk records, resilience, sustainability, and why every one of us – runner or not – has a role to play in protecting our planet.
You can listen to the full episode now on Lichfield Radio. For more on Damian and his work, visit his website at ultradamo.com, and don’t forget to explore The Green Runners at thegreenrunners.com.
This one’s well worth your time. Go and have a listen.