Richard Williamson (left) and Laurence Bell (right) are running buddies - so we thought we'd let them share this interview too. We asked...
How did you get into running in the first place?
Richard: "I got into running as a way to model self-discipline and healthy habits for my two children, who inspire me every day. It started with small changes in my lifestyle—early mornings, better nutrition, and setting achievable goals—which gradually built momentum. Over time, running became more than just exercise; it became a personal commitment to growth and balance."
Laurence: "I first got into running about three years ago as a way to get fitter and challenge myself. What started as short runs soon grew into longer distances, and I found I really enjoyed the structure of training and the sense of progress with every race I entered."
Have you run marathons before?
Richard: "I haven’t run a full marathon, but I’ve pushed myself through some tough and rewarding challenges. Over the past 2 years, I completed three 10K runs in three weeks, tackled three triathlons, a half marathon, the one million steps challenge, a swimathon, a white collar boxing event and even conquered the Three Peaks Challenge. Each event has been a way to test my limits where I have also simultaneously raised over 5k for charity doing them."
Laurence: "No, this will be my very first marathon. I’ve completed over ten 10Ks, two half marathons, and even three triathlons, but this is the next big step for me. I’m excited (and a bit nervous!) to take on the full distance."
What do you find tough about training/marathon running?
Richard: "What I find toughest is staying injury-free while trying to fit long-distance training around being a present and active father. Finding time for long runs means juggling family life and work, which takes real planning and commitment. As a relatively novice long distance runner, selecting the right gear—especially shoes, hydration packs, and recovery tools—has been a learning curve, but it’s made a big difference."
Laurence: "The toughest part is staying consistent, especially when the weather is bad or when I’m tired from a busy week. Long runs can be a real mental challenge too — pushing through when it gets tough teaches me a lot about resilience."
What do you find rewarding/enjoyable about training/marathon running?
Richard: "What I find most rewarding is the sense of achievement that comes from completing a set run—especially when I’ve set a challenge as a minimum and managed to exceed it. Another rewarding aspect is that I’ve embraced a “why not?” philosophy in everyday life as well now, which drives me to push boundaries and encourages others to ask themselves: could you try a little harder or go a bit further? That mindset, combined with the joy of progress and personal growth, makes training deeply fulfilling."
Laurence: "I love seeing the improvements over time, whether it’s running further than I thought possible or hitting a new pace. There’s also a huge sense of accomplishment in finishing a tough run. Running clears my head and gives me time to reset, so I always finish feeling better than when I started."
What do you enjoy doing when not running?
Richard: "Outside of running, I’m deeply passionate about football—especially Chelsea—I love spending quality time with my children more than anything, which keeps me grounded and motivated. I enjoy staying active through any form of exercise I can fit in, I took up boxing in the last year, but I also balance that with a genuine love for TV, film, and being a huge foodie! Italian cuisine and French desserts! That mix of movement, entertainment, and family gives me energy and perspective, both in training and in life."
Laurence: "Outside of running, I enjoy going to the gym, staying active, and spending time with friends and family. I also love the balance of downtime — whether that’s watching a good film, cooking, or just relaxing."
Why do you want to run for Iolanthe?
Richard: "I chose to run for Iolanthe because it’s a meaningful way make my mum proud, who dedicated over 20 years of her career to Maidstone Hospital and has been one of my biggest cheerleaders throughout my journey. Supporting a charity that uplifts midwives and maternal care feels like a fitting tribute to her commitment to healthcare and the values she instilled in me. It’s also a chance to give back while doing something I love—setting challenges, pushing boundaries, and inspiring others to ask themselves, “why not?”
Laurence:
I wanted to run for Iolanthe because I really believe in the work you do to support and empower midwives. Knowing that my marathon journey can help raise awareness and funds for such an important cause makes the challenge even more meaningful.