Recovery Runners Take National Stage at the 2025 Running Show
On Sunday, 26th January 2025, Dean Smith and Jamie Heselden co-founders of Recovery Runners in Leeds, spoke at one of the biggest events in the UK running calendar—the National Running Show at the N.E.C. in Birmingham.
This was an opportunity to put Recovery Runners and recovery in general to the front of minds of people who are usually outside the world of alcohol, drugs and recovery.
Speaking in front of an audience of around 200 people, Dean and Jamie shared the heart of what Recovery Runners is all about. They opened up about their personal battles with substances, their journeys through recovery, and how running became not just a means of fitness, but a lifeline—a way to rebuild, reconnect, and reclaim their lives.
The audience was fully engaged, with many eager to ask questions and dive deeper into the experiences and mission of Recovery Runners.
The impact of speaking at this event stretched beyond just Recovery Runners. By standing on that stage, Dean and Jamie shone a light on Leeds, its strong recovery community, and the incredible support services available in the city.
The National Running Show was a significant step forward for Recovery Runners—a platform to inspire, connect, and spread their message to a wider audience. It marked a new chapter, one where their mission extends beyond Leeds, bringing hope and community to more people than ever before.