Bethan Taylor-Swaine

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Bethan Taylor-Swaine

Hi there, I’m Bethan Taylor-Swaine, Architect of Wellbeing, PhD Student and Coach.

07/05/2026

Imagine running over 250 miles in just over 56 hours. Insane. That’s what Rachel Entrekin did this week when she not only won Cocodona 250 outright but also smashed the course record. Honestly, it’s hard to comprehend an achievement like that and all I can say is that Rachel is a PHENOMENAL human.

Whenever a woman wins a race like this outright people will often bring up the idea that when it comes to running a really long way women have an edge. They’ll usually mention that there’s research to support the idea, and that a woman winning proves it’s right.

It all sounds pretty cut and dry right? It’s a really appealing idea, the idea that women could outperform men is a really exciting prospect! But is it really that straightforward? I probably wouldn’t have written an article about it if it was…it’s up in now.

04/05/2026

Recently 🏃🏼‍♀️⛺️ ❤️ running with friends, running on trails, being outdoors, being in rivers, bonfires, crates of drinks, marshmallows, little dog, little person and Princess Di as style inspiration. It’s been a good time.

AD featuring x // x

29/04/2026

I’ve started a substack!

It’s been an age since I last wrote long form commentary about running. Back in the day I used to blog pretty regularly, but since writing up my PhD I haven’t been able to face any extra writing. However, today inspiration struck and 3 hours later we have something that I hope is a passable read!

This one is a sceptical look at some of the stats being shared in relation to women’s participation at London Marathon last weekend and how they might be a tiny bit misleading, at least if you’re looking at things in terms of the big picture relating to women’s participation in sport and equality.

Thanks to and for the inspiration.

28/04/2026

Did you know the average time for a woman to run 5km is 38 minutes according to ?

There’s lots of variables at play when it comes to average pace (for example, the groups that race or use are self selecting, the impact of race conditions and whether data has been adequately cleansed), but what’s clear is that the idea that a 5km should take 30 minutes is a bit misplaced. Infact the idea that we should complete any distance in any particular time is pretty unhelpful when it comes to getting more people into running and to stay in running.

23/04/2026

How about we believe women?

Every so often I share stories about the harassment people have experienced in running. Most of the comments are supportive, but there are always a few that illustrate why this problem exists. Our society is set up to minimise and discredit women’s experiences. Whether it’s by pushing women to ‘prevent’ their own abuse or suggesting that women are out to maliciously sabotage men’s reputations, everything leads to the idea that women aren’t to be trusted.

If we want change we need to ensure women are platformed and believed.

Do you have a story you’d like to share anonymously about your experiences of harassment in running? I’ve started a project collating anonymous stories to build a picture of what harassment in running really looks like. The link is in my bio.

15/04/2026

Dispatches from the frontline…this is just one of the many stories women have shared with me about the abuse of power and harassment in run clubs. This is why the Run Club Tool Kit is so important, and why I’m thrilled is hosting training on the issue for run club leaders. In my experience the is one of the most significant but untalked about issues facing our industry, its harming women, pushing them out of sport and needs to stop.

13/04/2026

Anti-Street Harassment Week hits a little different now Public Sexual Harassment has been recognised as a stand along criminal offence in England and Wales.

But while I’m stoked this has (finally happened) it’s just the beginning, because criminalisation can’t change culture, and PSH is deeply ingrained in our culture. The vast majority of women will experience this type of harassment, but less than 5% will report it because it is normalised and minimised.

In running it is becoming increasingly apparent that harassment is an issue, both in the streets and in clubs. Leaders and event organisers are not equipped to respond to PSH or to have the conversations needed to prevent it. This is why created the Run Club Tool Kit and why has committed to hosting training workshops on the issue.

If you have anything to do with organised running I strongly urge you to get involved and help shape our culture moving forward.

02/04/2026

Happy Book Day to the one and only !!

It was an absolute pleasure to contribute to this wonderful book which describes as ‘like chatting to a good, wise friend’ and, having both listened to and read the book, I can concur this description is bang on.

There will always be moments in life that feel like a catastrophic 💩 show, I have had more than a few, and while nothing can really make it easier, this book helps you feel less alone and reassured that maybe things will be ok. Plus Helen is funny, so it’ll make you laugh and feel all warm inside.

23/03/2026

Over half of girls will drop out of sport before they reach 16, but what if there was something really straightforward we could do to mitigate that drop out rate?

Fix the Kit is a campaign by to positively impact the rate at which girls stay in sport by fixing one of the biggest issues girls face in sport - the kit. Whether it’s uncomfortable, poorly fitting, overly sexualised or downright ugly, kit is one of the reasons girls drop out of sport. They’re not looking for anything fancy, just functional kit that fits and where they have an element of choice. It’s so simple, but it is so overlooked by many clubs, NGBs and schools. So often we just accept that kit is how it is, never really questioning why hockey and netball are played in skirts, why trousers or long sleeves aren’t an option or even why sports bras aren’t on PE kit lists. Generally there aren’t good reasons for any of this beyond ‘tradition’, so there’s no reason why we can’t offer girls more comfort and choices, the potential pay off is huge. Go and check out the work and are doing, lobby your NGB, club and schools, and help keep more girls in sport.

16/03/2026

This training cycle did not go as planned. I had such high hopes, then I twisted my sternum, I had to prepare for my viva, my husband got sick and I stacked it. Literally and metaphorically. While my last two 10kms went well there was no way I was going to enjoy 16km on trails, it just wasn’t happening. So I did the smart thing and dropped to the short distance (just over 5km). I wanted to enjoy my race, and I did. I was definately in it for the descents, and the route delivered (I’ll hike anything neg for a good descent), the terrain was the right amount of challenging and I was back just as Evie was getting bored of the event village! It was a good day.

08/03/2026

What’s the best way to mark International Women’s Day? Women coming together and taking up space.

has a very special place in my heart. I was involved in its planning and worked at the first event last year. It’s an event which is truely by women for women. Led by an all woman team which has really listened to stakeholders the series has become a place where all women can feel comfortable and supported, no matter what. I might be a bit biased, but this team really understands the problem, and it shows.

I can’t lie, it was a tough day on course. My leg has been a bit funny since a fall a few weeks ago and there was a point when I thought I might need to drop down. But the discomfort eased and I found my groove, letting me enjoy all 10km of this race’s amazing atmosphere before running straight into a hug with .ocaka at the finish line.

Big shouts to the whole team for making it an amazing day, I miss working with all of you so much!

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http://www.bethantaylorswaine.com/

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