The UK Running Girl Influencers You Need to Be Following 2025.
Running is having a moment—and not just on the track. Across Instagram and TikTok, a new generation of women is redefining what it means to be a runner: strong, stylish, and seriously motivating.
MEET THE UK-BASED INFLUENCERS WE ARE LOVING FOR RUNNING INSPO.
Running is more than just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, a new wave of UK-based female runners is changing the game. These women are strong, stylish, and redefining what it means to be a runner in today’s world. Whether they’re conquering long runs, training for marathons, or simply making movement a joyful part of their daily routines, they are inspiring others to lace up and hit the pavement with purpose. Expect everything from motivational Strava snapshots to vibrant activewear sets, and candid conversations about mindset, recovery, and everything in between.
Ready for your next running inspiration? These are the UK-based running girls who are making waves and motivating us mile after mile.
SUMMARY WITH QUICK LINKS TO INSTAGRAMS
1 MARY MCCARTHY HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/MARYMCCARTHS/
2 SAVANNAH SACHDEV HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/SAVANNAHSACHDEV/
3 LUCY GEORGIA HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/LUCYGE0RGIA/
4 ANYA CULLING HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/A.CULLING/
5 PHILY BOWDEN HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/PHILYBOWDEN/
6 EILISH MCCOLGAN HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/EILISHMCCOLGAN/
7 BECKY BRIGGS HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/BECKY_BRIGGS_NRG/
8 EMILY JANE FAIRS HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/EMILYJANEFAIRS/
9 LIZ NEWCOMER HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/RESILIENCYINRUNNING/
10 CHARLIE WATSON HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/THERUNNERBEANS/
1
MARY MCCARTHY
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We had to start with one of the London running girls: Mary McCarthy. Fresh off an impressive 3:09 finish at the London Marathon 2025 and a first female, second overall win at the UltraXco Finland 60km, Mary is setting the pace—literally. But her impact goes far beyond the racecourse. Blending fashion, fitness, and food into an engaging online presence, Mary has built a powerful community around movement and motivation. As an ambassador for brands like Lululemon, New Balance, and Free People, she champions a lifestyle where performance and style go hand in hand. More than just a digital creator, Mary is known for pushing boundaries—whether it's through a new challenge or personal goal—while inspiring her audience to do the same. Her story is one of energy, resilience, and unapologetic authenticity.
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SAVANNAH SACHDEV
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Savannah Sachdev brings a raw and honest perspective to running content, standing out for her authenticity. Based in London, she quietly began a run streak during lockdown that has now surpassed 1,000 consecutive days of movement. Despite this impressive feat, Savannah admits she thinks run streaks are “stupid” for most people. Her message isn’t about rigid routines or chasing perfection—it’s about showing up for yourself, finding joy in movement, and using running as a way to connect with yourself. With a loyal community of over 250,000 followers and partnerships with brands like adidas, Savannah’s influence continues to grow. She also writes a bi-monthly column for Women’s Running magazine, where she shares candidly about how running has helped her manage mental health and build confidence. Whether she’s running day 1,007 or discussing burnout, Savannah reminds us that the most meaningful runs help us feel more like ourselves.
3
LUCY GEORGIA
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One running influencer you need to know is London-based Lucy Georgia. With nearly 250,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok, Lucy inspires women of all levels by sharing her authentic journey—from lockdown runs to completing her first Ironman 70.3, despite never having cycled or swum before. Her honest storytelling and infectious positivity create a welcoming space that encourages everyone to start moving, no matter their fitness background. Whether tackling marathons or triathlons, Lucy’s passion and determination make her a standout figure in the London wellness scene and a powerful motivator for anyone ready to push their limits and find joy in running.
4
ANYA CULLING
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Anya Culling is a standout figure in the UK running scene. From a 4:34 debut in the 2019 London Marathon to a personal best of 2:34 in 2023, she has rapidly ascended to become one of the country's fastest female marathoners. Her journey began in 2018, and by 2022, she was competing in the elite category at the London Marathon. Anya is also an ambassador for lululemon and a coach for the Runna app, recently acquired by Strava. She shares her training routines, positive mindset, and nutritional strategies with over 150,000 Instagram followers, inspiring many to pursue their own running goals.
5
PHILY BOWDEN
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Phily Bowden is an elite 2:25 marathon runner aiming for the Olympics, with over 300k followers on Instagram and more than 150k subscribers on YouTube. Known for her down-to-earth approach, Phily shares her professional running journey candidly on her channel, offering valuable technical advice alongside real talk about the highs, lows, and everything in between. Partnering with her life and training partner, Daniel, she keeps it “100% real,” giving followers an authentic look at what it takes to compete at the highest level. Whether breaking down training sessions or sharing the mental grind of marathon life, Phily’s passion and honesty make her a must-follow for runners seeking to improve their technique and stay motivated through every challenge.
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EILISH MCCOLGAN
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It would be a crime not to mention this legend of the sport: Eilish McColgan. A record-breaking force on the track and road, Eilish holds multiple British and European records, including the 10km and half marathon, and continues to redefine what’s possible in women’s distance running. With Olympic appearances and Commonwealth medals under her belt, she brings elite-level performance with an inspiring sense of purpose. But what sets her apart is how she brings her audience along for the ride—sharing the highs, lows, and everything in between with honesty and heart. Off the track, she’s the founder of Giving Back to Track, a non-profit supporting young athletes, and a voice for mental and physical resilience in sport. Whether you're aiming for a 5K PB or just lacing up your trainers, Eilish is proof of what grit, grace, and consistency can achieve and is definitely one to follow, with almost 250k followers on Instagram, there is no shortage of inspiring content.
7
BECKY BRIGGS
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Becky Briggs is a true legend in British marathon running. With around 115k followers on Instagram, Becky blends elite performance, everyday relatability, and expert coaching in a way that makes marathon training feel both aspirational and accessible. She smashed the European U23 marathon record with a stunning 2:29:06 win at Manchester in April 2022, ranking her solidly among Britain’s fastest ever—a milestone seeded in fierce grit and resilience. What sets Becky apart isn’t just her record-breaking ability—it’s how candidly she shares her journey. From overcoming an eating disorder as a teenager to forging a life in London as a nutrition graduate and elite runner, her feed offers more than training—it offers transformation. She’s now a qualified coach at NRG Coaching, offering insights into nutrition, marathon pacing, and mindset, layered with the real-life textures of balancing London life, recovery, and performance. Whether you’re chasing a 5K PB or planning your first marathon training block, Becky’s mix of elite-level know-how and unfiltered honesty makes her a go-to creator—and coach—for anyone wanting to run with purpose, passion, and heart.
8
EMILY JANE FAIRS
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With over 230k followers on Instagram and a growing YouTube channel, Emily Jane Fairs is one of the most relatable voices in the UK running scene. What is maybe not-so relatable is the fact she has run, not one, not two, but four ultra marathons (including a 100km race - yes 100!) Emily shares everything from race-day vlogs and weekly workout diaries to candid Q&As and what she eats in a day. But beyond the miles, it’s her honesty that stands out—openly sharing her journey through depression and anxiety, and how running became her anchor. Emily’s content is as much about emotional resilience as physical endurance, making her a powerful source of inspiration for anyone using movement to heal, grow, and feel stronger inside and out.
9
LIZ NEWCOMER
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Liz Newcomer is a passionate distance runner and a rising influencer in the UK running community. With over 30k followers on Instagram and 5k subscribers on YouTube, Liz has built a dedicated audience around her inspiring journey as an American living in London. Her content, ranging from running tips to behind-the-scenes footage of her marathon training, resonates with a wide range of athletes, particularly those pursuing personal bests and marathon goals. On Instagram and TikTok, Liz shares her progress toward completing the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors, as well as her path to qualifying for Boston (BQ). Her mission is to empower others to embrace the sport and improve their times, with her personal achievements—completing 10 marathons and shaving nearly two hours off her marathon time—showcasing what’s possible with persistence and resilience.
10
CHARLIE WATSON
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Dietitian, marathoner, and all-round wellness realist, Charlie Watson is the voice behind one of the UK’s most relatable running platforms. With over 85k Instagram followers and a blog that covers everything from training and travel to surrogacy and nutrition, Charlie brings honesty and heart to the run community. Currently chasing a Boston Qualifier, she proves that dedication beats talent—and that you don’t have to be a “natural runner” to go far. Whether she’s sharing what’s on her plate or what’s on her mind, Charlie’s mission is clear: to make healthy living and marathon training simple, approachable, and human.