TOP 10 running influencers in the UK in 2024

If you’re like most running addicts, you probably love to put your feet up and have a good scroll through social media to check if you’re up to date with what’s going on in the running world. Whether it’s for motivation, training tips, race results, or just a plain nosey at what your favourite athletes are up to, running influencers open the door to a whole new world of experiences that inspire us to lace up our shoes again and again.

We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite influencers on the British running scene. From coaches to elite athletes to activists to everyday runners, we take a look at some of the most popular Instagram accounts in the UK.

Gary House (garyhouse_)

Gary House is a successful trail runner and running coach. His Instagram page is a combination of training tips, insights into the UK ultrarunning and trail communities, and updates on his personal running journey, all delivered with a healthy dose of humour. His posts will bring a smile to your face and inspire you not just to develop your performance but also to keep a positive mindset along the way.

Dina Asher-Smith (dinaashersmith)

Dina Asher-Smith is the fastest British woman in history, and this Olympic year is an exciting time to follow her journey as she vies for a spot atop the podium in Paris. A hamstring injury crushed her hopes for individual glory in the Tokyo games, but she has since returned to top form and is a real contender for an Olympic gold.

Dina uses her Instagram platform to document her training journey, share bits and pieces of her everyday life, and inspire women and girls to keep chasing their dreams.

Sophie Power (ultra_sophie)

A photo of ultrarunner Sophie Power hit headlines around the world when she was photographed breastfeeding her three-month-old at an aid station during the 166-kilometre UTMB in 2018. The photo has become a poster image for the struggles that mothers can face when returning to sport, and Sophie has since founded sheRACES, a platform dedicated to making running more accessible to women. She also continues to document her running journey, including postpartum recovery, juggling work, family, and training, and running for Great Britain. 

Charlie Dark (daddydarkrdc)

Charlie Dark is a DJ, poet, and runner. He founded the Run Dem Crew in 2007, an alternative running club committed to building a supportive and inclusive running community in London. Charlie’s Instagram page is a dynamic mix of running, music, and art, and his message is crystal clear: go after your dreams, break down those barriers, and take pleasure in everything you do.

Russell Cook (hardestgeezer)

Russell Cook hit headlines this April after becoming the first person to run the entire length of Africa, from its southernmost to its northernmost points. His fundraising effort, under the name Project Africa, raised over £1,000,000 for The Running Charity and Sandblast. His social media documents both his physical and psychological journeys that have gotten him to where he is today, through gnarly brushes with death, pushing his body to the limit, and overcoming addiction.

Philippa Bowden (philybowden)

Philippa Bowden is an elite runner who has represented Great Britain. Her humorous, down-to-earth approach to her training and relatable running tips will have you hooked in no time. Her fun personality, honesty, and impressive performances make her one of the most compelling runners to follow on social media. 

Tom Evans (tomevansultra)

Tom Evans is one to follow if you’re a fan of ultrarunning. He made a name for himself in 2017 when he came in third in the Marathon des Sables and has since stacked up an impressive number of racing achievements, including a win at the 2023 Western States 100. His Instagram account is an inspirational mix of races, training tips, and awe-inspiring running landscapes.

Susie Chan (susie_chan)

Susie Chan is one of the faces of the British amateur ultra running scene. She has racked up a number of impressive accomplishments, including a record-breaking number of participations in the Marathon des Sables, non-stop 100-mile races, and all of the World Marathon Majors. She has also documented her fight against cancer and her journey through leaving a dysfunctional marriage and managing as a single mum - a story of resilience, beating the odds, and finding pleasure in running. Susie uses her platform to share her training and races and inspire runners to push their limits. 

Eilish McColgan (eilishmccolgan)

Eilish McColgan has represented Great Britain in the past three Olympic games and has her sights set on participating in Paris 2024. The last year has been marred by a knee injury, but training seems to be back on track and ready for one last push.

Eilish shares a mixture of training and daily life on her Instagram, with refreshing honesty that will have you cheering for her success and rallying her on through her struggles.

Becky Briggs (becky_briggs_nrg)

Becky Briggs set a European U23 marathon record at the Manchester Marathon in 2022 and qualified for the European Championships later that year. However, an ongoing battle with eating disorders followed by injury kept her off the starting lines until this year’s London Marathon, where she crossed the line in 2:35:25. 

Becky is a running coach and uses her platform to share valuable running tips alongside insights into her own training highs and lows.