Marathon Talk

We had hoped this week's episode would offer a fascinating insight into the preparation of an elite athlete as they geared up for their next race; however, fate conspired against us, and the day after we recorded it, Conner Mantz had to withdraw from the 130th Boston Marathon. He did, however, allow us to still publish this episode, and we thank him for that. Hopefully, you'll still enjoy our conversation with the US Marathon record holder and gain some insight into his mindset as he approaches his next major. Also on the show, we're joined by author Raz Rauf, who has a new book out called This Is Running: A Celebration of the World of Running, exploring the culture, history, brands, races and people behind it. All this, plus a round-up of the biggest stories in the sport on episode 87 of Marathon Talk. Order your copy of This Is Running here. On this episode of Marathon Talk: 00:00 - Intro 00:55 - Something has gotten Martin very excited. 04:39 - Deena was in Chicago for the Shamrock Shuffle 08:47 - We discuss a 2-Day TCS London Marathon in 2027? 11:56 - Deena speaks with Conner Mantz 31:41 - Martin interviews author Raz Rauf about his new book 53:20 - Martin and Deena wrap up the show Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Raz Rauf | Instagram

The question everyone wants to know: just how do I get a bib for any of the Majors? We're joined by a Majors veteran, Rob Dalto, to talk us through all the ways you can earn your place at one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Plus, we have lots of news from around the marathon world. On this episode of Marathon Talk: 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - Deena tells us all about her time at the LA Marathon 02:41 - News Round-Up: LA Marathon 11:57 - Jacob Kiplimo breaks the half marathon world record in Lisbon 13:47 - Fotyen Tesfay of Ethiopia wins Barcelona 2:10:53, 2nd fastest marathon time 18:53 - Eliud Kipchoge to run the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon 20:24 - Shanghai passes stage one of AWMM candidate assessment 21:52 - Dave is joined by Rob Dalto to talk about how to get into every Abbott World Marathon Major 46:00 - Martin and Deena wrap up the show Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Rob Dalto | Instagram

On this bumper edition of Marathon Talk, Martin & Deena cover all the news in the marathon world, as a new series is announced and a legend leaves us. We're first joined on the show by trailer runner, coach and author Allie Bailey to hear more about how mindset is vital in endurance running. And to wrap up the show, David Jackson, The Breathing Coach joins us to talk about how long distance runners can use breathing exercises to improve their running efficency. You can buy Allie's new book: 31 Days David's book is available to buy here: Breathe Smarter, Run Stronger. Breathwork To Transform Your Running On this episode of Marathon Talk: 00:00 - Intro 01:05 - What Has Been Happening? 04:29 - Round-Up Of News From The Marathon Running World 19:33 - Marathon Talk Meets Allie Bailey 40:58- David Jackson Speaks To Martin About This New Book And More Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Allie Bailey | Instagram David Jackson | Instagram

Our first Marathon Talk Extra of the new season, and on this Tokyo Special, Martin and Deena are joined by David Macnamara from Abbott World Marathon Majors, and they look back on a great day of racing, which saw Tadese Takele, Brigid Kosgei, Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner claim victory in the Japanese capital. David also gives some insight into what the race week has been like and makes a frankly embarassing attempt to speak Japanese. See if you can figure out who wrote this bit! All this, and more, on Marathon Talk Extra!

As we look ahead to the first Marathon of the new season in Tokyo, we catch up with US long-distance great Sara Hall as she prepares to return to the Japanese capital for the 3rd time. And we'll hear from Abbott World Marathon Majors' David Macnamara with a round-up of things happening during race week. On this episode of Marathon Talk: 00:00 - Intro 01:00 - Happy Birthday, Deena! 05:40 - Tokyo Marathon Preview 16:00 - Sara Hall joins us to talk about her prep for Tokyo, her career and more. 39:11 - David Macnamara is here to tell us all about what is happening in Tokyo on race week. Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Sara Hall | Instagram

Marathon Talk is back for 2026, and what an episode we have for you to start the new season! First up, we're joined by Spencer Matthews, as he prepares to head to Japan to take on the Tokyo Marathon. Our second guests, whom you may have seen on your social media feeds over the last few weeks, Aubrey Mvula and Liz Newcomer, were judges for the recent Abbott World Marathon Majors Marathon Tours & Travel World Tour competition. They talk us through the process they used to find their winner, Leodhais MacPhearson, and we also have the chance to speak to the man himself as he prepares to run every Abbott World Marathon Major over the next two years. We're so excited be back! On this episode of Marathon Talk: 00:00 - Intro 00:46 - Martin & Deena catch-up 03:37 - Marathon Talk meets Spence Matthews 35:24 - We meet Aubrey Mvula, Liz Newcomer and Leodhais MacPhearson to talk about the Abbott World Marathon Majors Marathon Tours & Travel World Tour competition. 1:06:01 - Wrap-Up Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Spencer Matthews | Instagram | Untapped Podcast on Spotify Aubrey Mvula | Instagram Liz Newcomer | Instagram Leodhais MacPhearson | Instagram

It's nearly Christmas! And on this episode of Marathon Talk, we're joined by content creator, runner, comedian, and public speaker, Laura Green, for a special episode of Christmas Running Confessions. Our listeners have been anonymously submitting their Christmas confessions, so we're going to have some fun reading them! Oh, and plus a little about the recent Valencia Marathon. Special thanks to our guest, Laura Green, and you can catch Laura as she hosts The Running Game Show in Boston on April 16th 2026. Tickets are available: HERE -------------- Our show this week is brought to you by the Wahoo KICKR RUN Smart Treadmill The KICKR RUN offers the freedom and form of outdoor running at home. Its Dynamic Pacing capability means the treadmill matches your pace automatically with no controls needed, offering you a more natural running experience, and its Unmatched Connectivity means you can sync up with the Wahoo ecosystem and third-party apps, including the simulation of routes from the Wahoo App, Strava or Zwift. Perfect for the holiday season…Marathon Talk listeners can get a Free Headwind smart fan worth $319 or £229, when purchasing a KICKR RUN from wahoofitness.com, using code "RUNTALK" at checkout. On this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Intro 1:17 - Martin and Deena have a Christmas Update 5:58 - Update from the Valencia Marathon 11:22 - We hear your Running Confessions, with Laura Green. 37:44 - Wrap-up Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Laura Green | Instagram

Got a question you've always wanted to ask the team at Abbott World Marathon Majors? Well, now is your chance! We're joined this week by Abbott World Marathon Majors Cheif Operating Officer Danny Coyle, and Stew "Statman" Haynes, who are here to answer your AWMM questions. Martin and Deena also talk about their marathon highlight of the year, and we have news from last weekend's Shanghai Marathon as it bids to become an Abbott World Marathon Major. Before you press play, just to let you know our next episode will be our Christmas Special and we'll be joined by content creator, runner, comedian, and public speaker Laura Green, who will be here to absolve you of (and maybe chuckle at...) your Running Confessions. You can submit yours today via this link: https://forms.gle/AzVpqadH2Sr22xJ76 ----------- Our show this week is brought to you by the Wahoo KICKR RUN Smart Treadmill The KICKR RUN offers the freedom and form of outdoor running at home. Its Dynamic Pacing capability means the treadmill matches your pace automatically with no controls needed, offering you a more natural running experience, and its Unmatched Connectivity means you can sync up with the Wahoo ecosystem and third-party apps, including the simulation of routes from the Wahoo App, Strava or Zwift. Perfect for the holiday season…Marathon Talk listeners can get a Free Headwind smart fan worth $319 or £229, when purchasing a KICKR RUN from wahoofitness.com, using code "RUNTALK" at checkout.

On this episode of Marathon Talk, we're joined by British Paralympian and world record holder Richard Whitehead, following his incredible achievement of running his 100th marathon of his career at the TCS New York City Marathon. Before we speak to Richard, Martin and Deena discuss what to do now that, for most, the marathon season has come to an end. How do we keep the fitness levels where they need to be, without overdoing it? How do we stay focused, and what do we plan for to keep us excited? Finally, Deena had the chance to speak to Rob Dalto, who was representing Team Abbott in New York, and told us about this running story. On this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Intro 1:24 - Deena is at the finish of the Everywoman Marathon in Scottsdale, Arizona. 7:04 - Now that the season is over, what do we do? 18:09 - Richard Whitehead MBE joins us to tell us about his recent achievement of completing his 100th marathon. 46:13 - Deena and Rob Dalto go for a short trot around Central Park, talking about the race, the city and the communities that help make the race a highlight of the sporting calendar. 57:12 - Wrap-up Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Richard Whitehead | Instagram Rob Dalto | Instagram

One of the major talking points to emerge from last weekend's TCS New York City Marathon was Eliud Kipchoge. Following the completion of his Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star journey, it felt like the end of an era for the 11-time Majors winner, 2-time Olympic Champion and former World Record holder. On this episode of Marathon Talk, we look back on Kipchoge's career—the highs and lows—and what we will do next. And one of the things he's suggested he'll be doing next is running a marathon on Antartica, so we're very fortunate to be also joined by a man who knows a thing or two about South Pole running, President of Marathon Tours & Travel, Jeff Adams joins us to tell us more about how the running tourism industry is booming now, and where he'll be taking runners to next. On this episode of Marathon Talk: 1:49 - Martin and Deena discuss all that went down at the TCS New York City Marathon 13:04 - We look back on the career of AbbottWMM Six Star finisher, Eliud Kipchoge 30:14 - We're joined by Jeff Adams, president and owner of Marathon Tours & Travel. Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Marathon Tours & Travel | Instagram

We're back for another Marathon Talk Extra, for the TCS New York City Marathon. Martin and Deena are joined by David Macnamara from Abbott World Marathon Majors, who is on the ground in Central Park with all the news from race day. We analiyse an epic battle between Benson Kipruto and Alex Mutiso, we recognise Hellen Obiri's excellence in New York and we wrap up the season for the wheelchair event.

Ahead of the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, Deena catches up with race director Ted Metellus to hear more about how they prepare for the final Major of the year. We have an update from Cape Town after their race was cancelled on Sunday, and what that means for their bid to become an Abbott World Marathon Major. Also, we hear the marathon story of a Team Abbott member, and finally, Dave is here with a round-up of everything happening in New York during race week. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 3:46 - Martin and Deena are joined by Abbott World Marathon Majors COO Danny Coyle for an update on the events surrounding last weekend's Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. 25:20 - Welcome to Marathon Talk, race director for the TCS New York City Marathon, Ted Metellus. 57:15 - Community Notes: We meet Treena Mitchell, from Team Abbott and hear about her run story. 1:04:51 - AbbottWMM Social Media Manager, David Macnamara is here to give us the lowdown on all the events that are taking place over the course of the next week in New York. ‍Links & references C‍ape Town Marathon Timeline of Events Tickets for our Six Star Finisher Medal Monday Event First Timers: A Night Of Storytelling In Celebration Of The New York City Marathon Strava/Runna Race Hub, 1865 Broadway, New York, NY 10023 Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Ted Metellus | Instagram

Welcome to the first episode of Marathon Talk Extra, your regular post-ride guide to every Abbott World Marathon Major weekend, and much more. On this show, we'll be covering Sunday's Bank of America Chicago Marathon, where the biggest names in marathon running will come face to face as they prepare to see who will emerge as our series champion at the end of the year.

On this week's bumper episode of Marathon Talk, we look back on a punishing day in Berlin as Sabastion Sawe and Rosemary Wanjiru won the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. We also have news of a PB time for Sted Sarandos, your new favourite celebrity marathon runner. Our first guest on the show is Team GB athlete Phily Bowden, who is preparing for next week's Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and offered us real insight into her training plan and how she prepares for a Major event. And to close the show, we are so pleased to be joined by Abbott Senior Vice President of Global Marketing and External Affairs Melissa Brotz to talk to us about Team Abbott, 10 years of the Abbott and World Marathon Majors partnership, and much more. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 5:32 - Martin and Deena talk about the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. 10:22 - Sted Sarandos is the man everyone wanted to see in Berlin. But just who is this mysterious sub-3:00 marathoner? 12:37 - We preview the Bank of America Chicago Marathon 15:23 - We meet Phily Bowden and hear about her preparation for next week's Bank of America Chicago Marathon 39:50 - Melissa Brotz, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing and External Affairs at Abbott, joins us to talk all about a partnership that is now about to enter its 11th year. ‍Links & references‍ Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/‍ https://www.tiktok.com/@marathontalk Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/ Phily Bowden https://www.instagram.com/philybowden/ https://www.youtube.com/@philybowden

As we catch our breath after a phenomenal weekend of marathon running at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Deena has all the news from the National Stadium. Then, ahead of this weekend's BMW Berlin Marathon, Martin catches up with a Berlin-based running influencer, coach, and community builder who has become a familiar face in the city's thriving fitness scene, Aaron McCammon joins us to tell us all about the running scene in Berlin, how to make the most of your time in Germany if you are there for the race and much more. ‍Links & references‍ ‍ Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/‍ https://www.tiktok.com/@marathontalk Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/ Aaron McCammon https://www.instagram.com/callme.air.ron/

The TCS Sydney Marathon took place this past weekend, and we have all the news from a momentous day in marathon running as Sydney arrived as an Abbott World Marathon Major! Joining Martin on this week's show, we have Abbott World Marathon Majors Chief Operating Officer Danny Coyle, who was on the ground, in the shadow of the Opera House, to give us his thoughts on both the race day, the city, and also the performances of Sifan Hassan, Eliud Kiphcoge, and the winner of the men's elite race, Hailemaryam Kiros. We're also joined by Simon Bolton, who is now a Seven Star athlete, who will give us his participants perspective of the race and we're also very pleased to welcome Michelle Weltman MBE, head of disability at London Marathon Events, who also joins us from Sydney, to talk to us about wheelchair racing, her thoughts on Sydney, the current series championship and some wider commentary on where wheelchair racing can go in the future. We've got a jam-packed show for you, and we hope you enjoy it. ‍In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Martin and Danny discuss the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon. 15:48 - Simon Bolton joins us to give the runners' perspective of the race, fresh from collecting his Seventh Abbott World Marathon Majors star. 22:44 - Michelle Weltman MBE is our guest as we get an update on the current state of play in the wheelchair championship, along with much more insight about the sport as it looks to grow alongside the new Major races. 41:06 - A small preview of what we have lined up for our next show, where Deena will hopefully join us from Tokyo at the World Athletics Championships. ‍Links & references‍ Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/‍ https://www.tiktok.com/@marathontalk Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Michelle Weltman https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-weltman-mbe-964911b0/

Our first episode back after our summer break, and we have a TCS Sydney Marathon Special! On this show, we'll have a preview of the elite field for the race and hear from Deena as she prepares for her first run in Australia in 20 years. We have a quick check-in with race director Wayne Larden, as Sydney prepares to welcome the Majors, and we're joined by UK based runner Simon Bolton who is heading to Sydney to collect his seventh AbbbottWMM finish. Our main guest is James Constantine, who is here to talk to us about all things running in Sydney, how the city and its runners are looking forward to the race, things to experience in the city, and for Deena, as she stays on a little longer in Australia, a few suggestions for things to do while she's Down Under. ‍In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - We're back after our break with a TCS Sydney Marathon Special Preview 10:20 - TCS Sydney Marathon Race Director Wayne Larden joins us to give a quick update on how Sydney is prepared for the big race on August 31st 20:40 - As runners from around the world head to Sydney, we speak to local runner James Constantine to give us a background on running culture in the city, what the race means to the local community and he shares a few tips on the things to do in Sydney that visitors don't want to miss. 37:21 - In our Community Notes section, we hear from Simon Bolton as one of more than 3,000 Six Star finishers who are heading to Sydney to collect his seventh Abbott World Marathon Majors star. 41:35 - We have an update on our Global Run Club challenge as we head into the last few weeks of the competition. Episode highlights "When I think of the names and quality of the fields put together for this race, it's really going to be interesting to see how the hills become part of the racers' strategies; have they studied the course, have they figured out which hill do they make their move on? I'm fascinated to see how the course itself plays into those moves." - 08:19 - Deena Kastor "I'd be pretty confident right now that Eliud would be really enthusiastically telling the world how beautiful Sydney is, how friendly Australians are, what a great time he has had in Sydney, and what a great race and beautiful course it is." - 16:50 - Wayne Larden "The culture has certainly changed over the last few years, running has become this cool thing, and it's absolutely been exacerbated by social media, but also the communities and the run club culture has really developed over the last few years in Sydney. It's just a great place to be in Australia if you're a runner." - 22:32 - James Constantine "I'm more excited than you can imagine! I'm really looking forward to it. Getting on a plane to head to the other side of the world, I can't wait!" - 38:10 - Simon Bolton

Who's the host with the most, the quiz whiz, the mastermind with the mic? There's only one way to find out… This week's very special Marathon Talk pits Martin and Deena against each other, with a trivial roundup of the running season's greatest times! We also cover all the latest from Sydney's elite field announcements, the packed ballot for the London Marathon, and Tokyo's international ambitions. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - We kick off with tales of Deena's gigging adventures and Martin's negotiation with injury 5:30 - The latest from the running world includes Sydney's elite women's field announcements, Faith Kipyegon's Breaking4 attempt, and ballot news from London and Tokyo 18:00 - The main event: Martin and Deena face off in a battle of brains across 4 rounds of quizzing - play along at home and see if you can beat our hosts with the most 42:30 - Before we sign off for July, we look to our community for runners to join the Global Run Club challenge, and share your plans for getting the steps in this summer Marathon Talk is proudly powered by Abbott World Marathon Majors, who create, build and support opportunities for all to discover the power of the marathon community. Learn more at https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/