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Jez Allinson is a remarkable figure in both the military and public speaking spheres, known widely for his unique persona as The Running Stormtrooper. As a speaker, Jez brings an inspiring blend of discipline, humour, and heartfelt storytelling. His talks are rooted in real-world experiences drawn from his career in the Royal Air Force and his extraordinary charitable endeavours, often undertaken in full stormtrooper costume. Audiences connect instantly with his authenticity and drive, making his sessions not just motivational, but deeply memorable.
Jez’s journey began with a long and dedicated career in the RAF, where he cultivated the values of resilience, service, and leadership. His passion for pushing limits, both physically and mentally, eventually found a new outlet in charitable running. In 2016, he launched what would become a highly successful campaign by running the London Marathon in full stormtrooper armour, setting out to raise £2,000. That initial goal was quickly surpassed, and with it, the beginnings of a public persona that would go on to inspire thousands. His story from serviceman to speaker is one of transformation—channelling personal discipline into public impact.
In recent years, Jez has achieved several notable milestones. He earned a Guinness World Record in 2017 for the fastest marathon run in stormtrooper gear, finishing with just 47 seconds to spare. He has raised over £80,000 for children’s charities, including Make-A-Wish UK and Spread a Smile. His project has taken him across continents, from the streets of London to Star Wars Celebration in Orlando. Off the running track, he developed a compelling presentation titled “5 Tenets of Project Success”, drawing parallels between endurance challenges and leadership development. He also co-hosted The Running Stormtrooper Podcast, sharing his journey and engaging with a growing community of runners and Star Wars fans.
Jez is hired not only for his accomplishments but for the profound way he translates them into lessons on leadership, resilience, and purpose. His presence energises teams and uplifts individuals, making him a standout choice for organisations looking to inspire peak performance. Whether speaking to corporate audiences or charitable groups, he leaves a lasting impact—proof that combining passion with purpose can achieve truly extraordinary results.
Jez Allinson is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:
“I had the pleasure of experiencing Jez Allinson’s inspirational presentation on The Running Stormtrooper, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. Jez’s journey, spanning from 2016 to 2023, encapsulates resilience, determination, and the sheer power of human kindness. Through his endeavours, he has not only raised tens of thousands of pounds for Children Charities, including Make-A-Wish and Spread A Smile but has also touched countless lives worldwide. His presentation is a testament to his unwavering commitment to making a difference, showcasing not only his remarkable fundraising achievements but also his ability to inspire others to conquer their own challenges. As a military flying instructor for 26 years, Jez shares invaluable insights in his presentation, encapsulated in the 5 Tenets, which resonate deeply with audiences from all walks of life. From running marathons dressed as a Stormtrooper to setting Guinness World Records, Jez’s dedication knows no bounds and leaves an indelible mark on all who have the pleasure of hearing him speak.”
“A hugely enjoyable and engaging presentation. I had little knowledge of Jez or his accomplishments prior to attending and was fascinated as his story unfolded. The effort involved not only in the physical activity, but also the background work promoting and fundraising is boggling; a truly inspiring story of how one person’s decision to make a difference can grow and become something so much more. Engaging as an adult, but also perfect for younger audiences as a lesson in resilience, motivation, and most importantly, fun.”
“Jez provides a real insight with this excellent presentation into his impressive work as The Running Stormtrooper and the physical and mental demands of running on this scale. Thoroughly entertaining throughout there are laughs and tears as we hear the fascinating story covering the evolution of his running and the huge efforts required to enable his accomplishments. Not only is organising and promoting the fundraising incredibly impressive, it is all selflessly done for the benefit of others with a smile and with a fun spirit. Jez’s motivation and enthusiasm shone through and it is a testament to what can be achieved when someone decides to make a difference and as a result creates, and becomes, something special.”
“Just a quick note to say thanks very much for your time today and delivering your talk. I’m based in London otherwise would have joined in person. I was completely hooked, as I’m sure everyone else was. Throughout your talk, there was something bigger and bigger you would achieve and I thought, what will happen next?! I’m so pleased the team were able to help make this SNAK session a reality. I know it’s been an idea since the conference thanks to early conversations with Nic in the team. Looking forward to hearing part 2 of your journey.”
The High-Performance Speakers Agency is the UK’s leading bureau for teamwork, leadership, and marginal gains speakers. We hire speakers for corporate conferences and events across the world and cater to both in-person occasions and online webinars. Our roster includes sportspeople, business leaders, adventurers and more, to ensure audiences of all industries receive tailored, impactful advice on optimised performance.
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