BLXG 1
By Coach Joe | Saturday, 29 August 2026
Three returns, two Half Marathon debuts, and one challenge that will take Björnstride to the limit at Stowe Pool. From familiar faces returning to the latest community events on the horizon, there's lots happening in the first ever Blxg.

1.1 THREE OF THE BEST
Familiar faces, fresh starts
Three familiar faces are back in the Björnstrxng studio after more than a year away from training, each returning with different goals and fresh motivation to get right back to where they left.
New reasons to get stronger
Marie Griffiths returns after stepping away to have her little girl. Paula Olsson, meanwhile, will be looking to rediscover the Feats form that made her one of the names to beat in Seasons 2 and 3.
The next chapter begins
Sam Baker completes the trio, returning with a body recomposition firmly in her sights. Three different journeys, but all three are back where they belong and ready to build momentum again.

1.2 NO HALF MEASURES
Big smiles, bigger miles
Rob Conway and David Jordan have signed up for their first Half Marathon in Cheshire. With 13.1 miles ahead, they'll be hoping the Cheshire Cat's grin is still on their faces by the photo finish.
Momentum meets mileage
Rob has enjoyed a stellar year, losing 15kg, competing at the Valencia Gay Games and setting personal records inside and outside the studio. The Half Marathon is the next chapter.
From speed to staying power
David recently set a personal best of 23:34 at Birmingham's Unity 5K but has never ventured beyond that distance, so Coach Joe will be building his durability during Björnstrxng sessions.

1.3 12-HOUR STRIDE
A tough paper round awaits
Team Björnstride will take to Stowe Pool for a 12-hour ultra relay in aid of Kids' Village. For Royal Mail duo Meg Day and Jack Ward, it may just be the longest paper round of their lives.
Experience leads the way
The team will be in good hands on 20 September. Meg is a Hyrox athlete preparing for four Birmingham races, Jack has completed more than 50 marathons, and Sarah Dauncey is an elite-level racer.
Running for something greater
Alongside Coach Joe, Tom Price and Aaron Stevens, the team will keep moving for 12 hours in support of Kids' Village's fantastic initiative. If you'd like to support the challenge, please donate
here.



