Running Through Cancer: Steve Till on Positivity, Parkrun, and Recovery

In this deeply personal follow-up episode, Michelle welcomes back ultra-distance runner Steve Till, who opens up about his recent experience with lymphoma. Steve shares how running—especially parkrun, helped him maintain a sense of identity, purpose, and positivity during chemotherapy and beyond. From walking 5Ks during treatment to reflecting on the emotional and psychological impact of illness, Steve’s story is a powerful reminder that running can be more than sport.

🔗 Links Mentioned:

• Steve's parkrun blog post: https://blog.parkrun.com/uk/2025/05/13/parkrun-has-been-crucial-to-my-treatment

Steve and Michelle chat about:

• Diagnosis and the decision to keep moving
• Parkrun as emotional grounding during chemotherapy
• The mental challenge of slowing down
• Why staying active—even just a little—can make a huge difference
• Lessons from 50 years of running
• The value of community and meaningful conversations during illness

Bio:

Steve Till has represented GB in 24-hour races, run over 100 marathons, and completed more than 600 parkruns. He brings the same focus and discipline from his ultra-running to his recovery, and shares his experience to help others.