Exeter comedian lands major magazine cover and opens up about a life change

Comedian, broadcaster and Exeter resident, Josh Widdicombe, has spoken candidly about how running transformed his life after giving up alcohol, as he appears on the cover of Runner's World UK.

Growing up in Exeter and attending Exeter College, Josh is featured on the April cover of the magazine, reflecting on how the sport has become integral to his physical and mental wellbeing. 

The full interview appears in the April issue, published on 4 March.

Best known for his stand-up career and appearances on panel shows, Josh said running only truly “stuck” after he stopped drinking. 

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While he had run on and off in the past (including during lockdown) he said the turning point came when he gave up alcohol and began to enjoy the experience in a way he never had before.

“I don’t think many people start running and instantly love it,” he told Runner’s World UK.

 “Then there was a total change in my life when I stopped drinking and I realised I was enjoying running to the point where… I’m disappointed when I finish my runs now.”

The 42-year-old described running as replacing some of what he previously got from nights out. “It’s a big rave,” he said. “A big, sad, middle-aged rave. And with no hangover.”

For Josh, who has previously spoken about experiencing anxiety, running has also become part of what he calls his “toolkit” for managing his mental health. 

He compared its effects to meditation, saying it helps to calm him and put work pressures into perspective.

“It makes everything easier,” he said. “It makes your family life easier. It makes your work life easier.”

He added that running also forces him to disconnect from his phone, something he described as a “constant battle”, and can unexpectedly help with problem-solving simply by creating space away from screens.

The Exeter-born comedian said the mental benefits have been even more significant than the physical ones, describing running as part of a broader effort to build healthier habits. 

“It’s a virtuous circle,” he said. “All part of one long, boring circle just trying to get 10 more years out of my life.”

Josh Widdicombe, who grew up in Exeter, attended Exeter College and was even an honorary graduate at the University of Exeter in 2024, continues to maintain a national broadcasting and comedy career