Set the Pace

This episode of Set the Pace marks an exciting new chapter for the show as Rob and Becs explain how the podcast is evolving to focus more deeply on what matters most: the transformative power of running. Guided by the mission to build healthier lives and stronger communities, this shift brings more intentional, story-driven content. While episodes will no longer be released weekly, listeners can expect deeper storytelling, multi-episode series, race insights, and behind-the-scenes perspectives. This is not just a podcast about running, but about how running changes lives. Plus, Meb Keflezighi is back on the podcast to talk about what he’s been up to lately—from his work with the Meb Foundation and appearances at major races to celebrating personal milestones and his dedication to coaching runners of all ages.   FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mary Wittenberg, former New York Road Runners President and CEO, joins Set the Pace this week as part of our celebration of Women’s History Month. After becoming a partner at a law firm in New York City, she pivoted to pursue her passion for sports, joining New York Road Runners in 1998. A dedicated runner, she won the 1987 Marine Corps Marathon and competed in the 1988 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. During her tenure, Mary guided NYRR and the New York City Marathon through a decade of significant growth and in 2002 was part of a pivotal decision to introduce a women-only professional start ahead of the men, giving them more visibility with the spectators and news media. In recognition of Women’s History Month, Mary reflects on the continued need for greater equity in sports, noting that while progress has been made, there is still more work to do to ensure equal opportunities for women on the playing field.   FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NFL center Justin Britt, who spent most of his career with the Seattle Seahawks, joins Rob and Becs on Set the Pace this week. Justin ran the United Airlines NYC Half in 1:31:11, coached by professional distance runner Emily Venters, who finished the race in 1:09:46, placing 10th in the women’s field. For Justin, running has helped him navigate a rocky transition to life after the NFL. For Emily, coaching is a way to give back to the running community. The conversation explores the unlikely partnership between an NFL veteran learning from a young professional runner, what it’s like to tackle tough training, and how running motivates athletes at different stages of their lives. FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special race-day episode of Set the Pace, hosts Olympian Carrie Tollefson and CITIUS MAG's Kyle Merber interview the 2026 United Airlines NYC Half champions—Eden Rainbow-Cooper, Daniel Romanchuk, Hellen Obiri, Adriaan Wildschutt, and Daniel Mata—who led more than 30,000 athletes from the start in Prospect Park, across the Brooklyn Bridge, through Manhattan, and to the finish in Central Park.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Rob and Becs this week are Liz Cho and Mike Marza, anchors for ABC7 Eyewitness News. Together, they report on the events that shape daily life across the five boroughs. There will be more than 30,000 stories at this weekend’s United Airlines NYC Half—the kind of stories today’s guests usually spend their days telling. But this weekend, instead of covering the stories, they’ll be part of the action as they step away from the newsroom to take on 13.1 miles. Liz was part of the ABC relay at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, which she followed up with running the NYRR Midnight Run, and Mike ran the TCS New York City Marathon for the first time in 2025. They talk about the excitement of running in New York City and what they’re most looking forward to on race day.   FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York Road Runners’ Chief Event Production Officer and Race Director, Ted Metellus, joins  Becs to talk all things United Airlines NYC Half. This year’s race is set for Sunday, March 15, and Ted has all the answers to questions about race week and race day. Learn the deets about bib pickup at the Expo (in a new location at the Javits Center!), getting to the start, navigating the iconic course from the Brooklyn Museum to Central Park—including crossing the Brooklyn Bridge again this year—managing post-race reunion, and more. Whether you’re running, spectating, or tuning in, you’ll be well-prepared.    FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode discusses sexual violence, which may be triggering or distressing for some listeners. In this episode, New York Road Runners leaders Christine Burke and Erica Edwards-O’Neal explore runner safety—particularly for women—through global and local lenses. Reflecting on a recent trip to Kenya, they share their experience meeting with Tirop’s Angels, an organization that combats gender-based violence. Christine and Erica then interview Jean Knaack, CEO of the Road Runners Club of America, who discusses the need for a systemic approach to safety in running clubs, emphasizing proactive leadership, clear codes of conduct, and shared responsibility—particularly encouraging men to understand the distinct safety concerns women face. A second conversation spotlights Ashley Raymond and Meagan Doyle, co-founders of Safely, a company that makes safety products including the Sidekick, a compact, five-in-one self-defense tool designed with runners in mind. While acknowledging women shouldn’t bear the burden of protection, they advocate preparedness, education, and practical tools to help women feel confident and secure.   FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of Set the Pace Rob sits down with Sharon Lokedi, TCS New York City Marathon champion, at her mother’s home in Eldoret, Kenya. Lokedi reflects on her journey from training on Kenya’s red clay roads to winning major marathons, and what it means to inspire other Kenyan runners. She shares how Kenya’s deep-rooted running culture fuels her motivation as she prepares to defend her titles at the United Airlines NYC Half in March and the Boston Marathon in April. Lokedi also speaks candidly about competition, pressure, and using her platform to support organizations addressing gender-based violence, including Tirop’s Angels, an organization created by friends and family of Agnes Tirop, who was killed in Kenya just weeks after breaking the 10K road running world record in 2021.FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Rob and Becs are joined by Dr. Jordan Metzl, a sports medicine physician at New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) who has treated thousands of runners. A runner himself, Dr. Metzl has completed dozens of marathons and multiple Ironman triathlons. His new book, “Push: Unlock the Science of Fitness Motivation to Embrace Health and Longevity,” draws on research, patient stories, and his own experience to examine how motivation shapes long-term health. The book offers a practical mental and physical roadmap to help readers build a sustainable exercise plan and rediscover their love of movement. Dr. Metzl also reflects on what it means to keep moving as runners age, evolve, and sometimes struggle to stay motivated. He dedicates the book to his father, an Austrian immigrant and Holocaust survivor who earned his medical degree and practiced pediatrics in Kansas City for more than 50 years—an example that inspired Dr. Metzl and his brothers to become physicians themselves.FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Olympian Grant Fisher joins Set the Pace this week in a live interview with Rob, recorded on January 30 at the TCS New York City Marathon Partner Forum in NYC. Grant was in town preparing for the Millrose Games, where he was set to race the Wanamaker Mile, but after our interview, he scratched due to illness. In the conversation, Grant shares what excites him about making his road racing and half marathon debut at the United Airlines NYC Half. The Stanford grad also reflects on long-term running goals and how he balances his love of the sport with his commitment to his fiancé and their future together. Grant’s thoughts on uncertainty, decision-making, and knowing when to step back offer meaningful lessons for runners at every level. To help break this down, NYRR’s Coach Ben Delaney provides some insight on how to recognize when it’s time to listen to your body and say, “today is not my day.” FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Rob is joined by New York Road Runners Chief Marketing and Digital Officer Juliette Morris for a special Town Hall edition of Set the Pace where they talk about what’s happening across the entire organization. Rob addresses some of the most common questions and concerns raised by the running community, from race access and registration demand to new processing fees and the growing popularity of the 9+1 program. He breaks down the realities behind park permits, race capacity limits, and fairness for participants, while sharing steps NYRR is taking to create more opportunities for runners at every level. The conversation also highlights the organization’s nearly $1 billion annual economic impact on New York City and what that means for local communities. Later in the episode New York Road Runners Co-Head of Marketing Strategy Emily Casey joins the show to unveil, alongside Juliette, NYRR’s new “Believe in Every Step” brand identity and logo, exploring the thinking behind the rebrand and what it represents for the future.Note - for clarity, in addition to advance registration access to the non-drawing Five-Borough Series races, all members will also now have advance registration access to the following 2026 races: NYRR Mindful 5K NYRR Grete’s Great Gallop 10K New Balance 5th Avenue Mile FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check out this special episode of Set the Pace taped live at the Hard Rock Café in Times Square. Hosts Rob and Becs sit down with Olympian and Peloton instructor Alex Karwoski, who represented the U.S. in the men’s eight at the Rio Games and later served as an alternate for Tokyo. Since his last appearance on the show in August 2024, Alex has completed the TCS New York City Marathon twice, added strong performances at the 2025 Fred Lebow Half Marathon and the United Airlines NYC Half, and this weekend will toe the line once more at the Fred Lebow Half Marathon in Central Park. Off the course, Alex is also navigating the joys of being a new dad.Rob and Becs also welcome Cathy Wysin, PT, DPT, from Hospital for Special Surgery. An avid runner who’s completed multiple marathons, Cathy brings a passion for sports medicine and orthopedic injury rehabilitation. She shares expert tips for tackling the hills of the Fred Lebow Half Marathon course. FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeremie Kasmarcak, head of Team for Kids (TFK) at New York Road Runners, joins Set the Pace to share a behind-the-scenes perspective on TFK, a charity program that’s become a training ground for runners of all ages, paces, and experience levels. Jeremie has led Team for Kids for nearly a decade, guiding it into one of the most impactful and in-demand charity running programs in the world. Since its founding in 2002, TFK runners have raised over $120 million to support NYRR’s free youth and community running programs, which provide kids the coping tools that extend beyond physical fitness. Jeremie also talks about how to become part of this passionate and welcoming community that builds lifelong friendships, and what it’s like to train and run with TFK.  Watch Carolina Gonzalez's TFK TCS New York City Marathon Story:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf-SFkaECFg Learn More about Team for Kids: https://organizations.nyrr.org/sites/organization_sites/6a0cbbfd8a19547bc915/pages/team_for_kids   FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTube SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining the show this week is Vanessa Peralta-Mitchell, the founder of Game Changers, a program that aims to encourage and support more women of color to become certified run coaches. Launched in 2020, the program was born out of Vanessa’s realization that very few running coaches and experts in the industry looked like her—and her desire to change that.  Since then, the program has guided  nationwide across 29 states in addition to Washington, D.C. A wife, mother of three, and daughter of Ecuadorian immigrants, she credits her mother for being her ultimate inspiration to reach for her dreams and build her own business.  Interested in joining? Applications are now open for this year’s Game Changers cohort. This marks the second year that Game Changers is partnering with New York Road Runners, which includes a coaching apprenticeship with NYRR Group Training in NYC.  Apply to Game Changers NY Cohort here:  bit.ly/VCPMGameChangersNYC2026 Sign up for the Game Changers Q&A here: bit.ly/GCNYC26QArsvp Follow GameChangers: @GameChangersRun www.vcpm.com/game-changers    FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTube SUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our first episode of the year, Rob speaks with ABC sports anchor Sam Ryan, who has helped tell the stories of NYRR races and the running community. A runner herself, Sam has lived those stories too—completing 13 marathons, including four New York City Marathons, and serving as an NYRR Team for Kids ambassador. The last time Sam was on the show, it was just two days before the Boston Marathon. Since then, she’s added Chicago to her marathon list and, this week, ran the NYRR Midnight Run, 10 years after her last New Year’s Eve race. She talks about how focusing on strength training and overall fitness has helped her continue to chase her goals. Also joining the show for the Member Moment is Christina Gibbons, a New York Road Runners member who, four years ago, wasn’t sure she could run a full mile. Since then, she has completed four half marathons. Christina tells Meb how slowing down her pace helped her go the distance. FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your winter gift from Set the Pace. Head out for a run as Rob and Becs revisit some of the most powerful words shared on Set the Pace this year. These are the moments our guests return to when things get hard. The phrases they repeat when they need to keep going. The mantras that carry them FORWARD. You’ll hear from teachers and Olympians, Peloton instructors and physical therapists, CEOs, run-club founders, and members of the Set the Pace community — each offering a simple truth that helped them through, mile after mile after mile. Take these 26 running mantras with you for a run over the holidays and let them lead you into a 2026 that brings you a healthier life and a stronger community, through the transformative power of running.  CHAPTER GUIDE (timecodes) 0:00 — Intro02:54 — Mantra 1: Rob Simmelkjaer03:25 — Mantra 2: Vinnie Guadagnino06:42 — Mantra 3: Martinus Evans05:23 — Mantra 4: Randi Zuckerberg07:40 — Mantra 5: Corey Wharton-Malcolm08:39 — Mantra 6: Dr. Melissa Melkonian09:47 — Mantra 7: Jeffrey McEachern11:08 — Mantra 8: Vinnie Guadagnino11:59 — Mantra 9: Nenna Lynch13:06 — Mantra 10: Mallory Kilmer13:48 — Mantra 11: Kenneth Rooks14:40 — Mantra 12: Ali Truwit16:22 — Mantra 13: Kirra Michel17:43 — Mantra 14: Nick Thompson19:23 — Mantra 15: Mohammed Saad20:48 — Mantra 16: Ali Truwit22:05 — Mantra 17: Sharon Lokedi26:51 — Mantra 18: Susannah Sullivan28:56 — Mantra 19: Tiki Barber30:38 — Mantra 20: Mike the Curican31:52 — Mantra 21: Alison Mariella Désir34:38 — Mantra 22: Nikki Hiltz36:16 — Mantra 23: Jenny Simpson37:29 — Mantra 24: Ted Metellus38:46 — Mantra 25: Becs Gentry39:00 — Mantra 26: Meb Keflezighi   FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora joins Rob and Becs for this week’s Set the Pace. One of the most recognizable figures in sports, Alex is a World Series–winning manager, a regular presence in Boston headlines, and someone whose every decision is analyzed by millions of Red Sox fans. Recently, Alex has also become a runner—starting with short races then progressing to a half marathon and ultimately to the start line of the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon this past November 2. He opens up about the thrill of getting his bib only four weeks before race day and how meaningful it was to run the entire marathon course alongside his partner. They crossed the finish line to cheers from his sons holding a sign that read, “Will you marry, Dad?” Plus, Meb speaks with Simone Swink, Senior Executive Producer of the “Good Morning America” (GMA) franchise. On November 2, Simone and 27 fellow ABC News colleagues participated in a special “Good Morning America” TCS New York City Marathon relay, raising funds for NYRR Team for Kids. FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s guest is Caitlin Phillips, a 43-year-old runner who ran a 2:36 at Sunday’s California International Marathon (CIM), qualifying for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Trials. Caitlin shares with Rob and Becs what it took to achieve this amazing feat while working full-time and returning to competition postpartum after giving birth in 2023. She breaks down what makes the CIM course ideal for sub-elite athletes and reflects on the strong sense of community she felt racing alongside runners she’s connected with over the years. Also joining the podcast for the Member Moment is Dr. Melissa Melkonian, founder of The American Dream School in the Bronx, a dual-language charter school created to help students and families pursue their own version of the American Dream. She’s inspired dozens of teachers, parents, and staff to take on their first marathon, using running as a tool for empowerment and community building.FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Rob and Becs this week is Phil Keoghan, host of “The Amazing Race.” He recently completed the TCS New York City Marathon while raising money for Back on My Feet, an organization that empowers people to achieve economic independence. The New Zealand-born adventurer isn’t just a marathoner, he’s also cycled across America, set a world record in bungee jumping, and retraced a 1928 Tour de France route on an 85-year-old bicycle. Phil dedicated his race to his father, who passed away last week after a lengthy illness, and he opens up about drawing strength from his dad’s grit and determination during the final miles of the marathon. And for this week’s Member Moment, Meb speaks with Michael Ring, who completed the TCS New York City Marathon 26 times, the last seven after recovering from a devastating case of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Michael is one of the stars of East 89th St Productions and Tribeca Studios’ documentary film “Final Finishers.”Phil ran the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon in support of Back On My Feet - Donate Here FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Runner’s World News Editor Theo Kahler joins the show to share how he spends his weekdays writing about running and then lines up on the weekends to hold his own with some of the best runners in the world. Theo ran this year’s TCS New York City Marathon for the first time, placing an impressive 40th overall and finishing as the 15th American in the men’s field. A former collegiate track standout from South Carolina, he now covers the sport’s biggest events as a journalist. But even while holding down a full-time job, Theo hasn’t given up his running dreams—he recently wrote an article for Runner’s World titled “I Finished 40th at the NYC Marathon With a Full-Time Job. You Don’t Need to Be a Pro to Dream Big.” Also joining the show for our Member Moment is Queens resident Raymond Choy, who completed the marathon for the 27th time this year. He’s talks to Meb about why he keeps coming back. Theo's Last Mile TikTok!  https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTrYR7xxb/ FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMER  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Rob this week is Relly Ladner, a member of this year’s Team Inspire, a diverse group of 26 TCS New York City Marathon runners whose stories capture the power of running to change lives. Growing up in Vienna, Relly played soccer, and as a freshman in high school she secured a Division I offer to play at Dartmouth College. But after being diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome she was told she’d never walk again. Through grit and determination, Relly fought her way back to health, went on to play soccer at Dartmouth, and never took a single day on the field for granted. After college, Relly turned to marathon running and completed this year’s TCS New York City Marathon with a time of 3:32, running in support of the adolescent health organization Grassroot Soccer. Plus, for this week’s Member Moment, Meb talks to Felicia Pasadyn, a full-time medical student at NYU Grossman School of Medicine who finished 14th among all women at the marathon, crossing the finish line with a time that qualifies her for the 2028 US Olympic Trials.  Donate to Relly's 2025 TCS NYC Marathon Fundraiser for Grassroot Soccer FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Becs is joined by some of the top finishers from the TCS New York City Marathon—the top American woman, Fiona O’Keeffe; the top American man, Joel Reichow; and the top nonbinary runner, Daniel Mata. They share personal recaps of their incredible performances and how they balance the demands of everyday life while continuing to excel in the sport. Fiona’s astounding 2:22:49 finish broke the American course record in New York and reaffirmed her status as a true marathon star. Joel’s impressive rise into running elite during the 2025 season includes winning Grandma’s Marathon this past summer and finishing sixth in New York with a 2:09:56 negative‑split run. Daniel’s talent was on full display, winning the nonbinary category and running a personal best of 2:41:39 to claim their first marathon victory. These rising marathon stars talk about what it takes to be at the top of their game. FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

oining Set the Pace this week is actor Anthony Ramos, best known for his breakout role on Broadway in “Hamilton” as well as on the big screen in Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite (and coming in 2026, Ryan Murphy’s The Beauty.) This past Sunday, the Brooklyn native ran his first-ever race at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon with his former high school guidance counselor Jason Jacobs, who was one of the first people to encourage Anthony to pursue a career in the arts. Rounding out the experience was a very special pacer—Olympian and Boston Marathon champion Des Linden. Anthony opens up about how the course was like a microcosm of his life as friends and family cheered him on at critical moments. Also joining the show is Sandra Garcia, whose connection to New York Road Runners started in 1998 with the launch of NYRR’s free youth running programs in New York City schools. As a Harlem kid in that program, she raced city courses and became pen pals with New York City Marathon legend Grete Waitz.Check out our interview with the champions of the 2026 TCS New York City MarathonAnd listen to our episode with Susannah Sullivan that Becs' mentions in the show!FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hear from the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon champions—Hellen Obiri, Susannah Scaroni, Benson Kipruto and Marcel Hug, about what it took to crush the competition on this iconic course. With focus, determination, and a whole lot of heart, these athletes gave it their all on the best day of the year, in the best city in the world. FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check out this special episode as guest hosts Olympian Carrie Tollefson and sports journalist Chris Chavez bring you the very first interviews with the 2025 Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K champions Amon Kemboi and three time champ Annie Rodenfels. Their conversation was livestreamed at a watch party just steps from the finish line in the new Westside Hospitality Tent. Tune in to the excitement of marathon weekend!FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actor Oliver Phelps aka George Weasley of Harry Potter fame, joins Set the Pace during a live taping from the Citizens Stage at the TCS New York City Marathon Expo Presented by New Balance. Millions grew up watching him on screen as one of the fun-loving red-haired twins of the Wizarding World. These days, you’ll find him co-hosting “Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” on the Food Network with his brother James and lacing up for his very first marathon right here in New York, running for the Matt Hampson Foundation. Plus, Anil Nandkumar, advanced clinician and board-certified physical therapist at Hospital for Special Surgery, offers advice for what runners should focus on in the final hours leading up to race day.FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Race week is finally here! And just in time for this weekend's 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, joins Rob and Becs for a conversation about his newly published book “The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of Sports,”. Exactly the inspiration you need before your weekend run, Thompson's book explores how running shaped his relationship with his father, helped him navigate ambition and aging, and instilled lifelong discipline. He shares insights on the parallels between writing and running, and the lessons he learned from the sport, including training for his first marathon in 2005 and earning the American age-group record in the 50K in 2021. He opens up about how his father’s lack of discipline, which led him to die “a bankrupt tax fugitive running a brothel in Southeast Asia,” motivated him to take the opposite path by finding purpose through structure and focus. This Sunday, Thompson will toe the line for his 12th New York City Marathon and is hopeful that his son will join him at the start line in the future for some healthy father-son competition.Watch 26.2 on YouTube!The Ultimate 2026 TCS New York City Marathon Race Entry Sweepstakes!Apply for TFK for the 2026 TCS New York City MarathonFOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With race day just a little over a week away, New York Road Runners’ Chief Event Production Officer and TCS New York City Marathon Race Director Ted Metellus joins Rob and Becs to give runners all the inside information on this year’s TCS New York City Marathon. Ted breaks down key logistics—from picking up your bib at the Expo to getting to the start on Staten Island. He also highlights the many exciting events leading up to race day, including the TCS New York City Marathon Opening Ceremony Presented by United Airlines, the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K, and the TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff. His advice to runners is to plan ahead, stay flexible, trust your training, and enjoy the journey. And for this week’s Member Moment, Meb talks to Michael Alcaide better known as “MTK or “Mike the Korican,” representing his Korean and Puerto Rican roots. He’s the founder of the Global Running Crew and a three-time Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star finisher. Download the AppSee the 2025 TCS NYC Marathon Medal RevealNew York Roadrunners, Set The Pace Watch Party at the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K How to change your emergency contact info here: https://help.nyrr.org/s/article/How-do-I-update-my-emergency-contact-informationFOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Insider's Guide to the Medical Operation at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. n this episode of Set the Pace, Rob interviews Dr. Matt Friedman, the national medical directory of CrowdRx, the team responsible for the medical operation at the TCS New York City Marathon and other New York Road Runners events. Dr. Friedman talks about the year-round planning that goes into supporting runners on their 26.2-mile journeys; covering everything from medical tents and emergency response teams to hydration, heat safety, and warning signs runners should be aware of. He shares important safety tips for runners taking on the marathon, including what to do if you’re not feeling 100% and why learning hands-only CPR can save lives. Whether you’re running, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, this conversation offers essential insights.    Learn more at www.nyrr.org/marathonrunnersafety  Details on how to change your emergency contact info here: https://help.nyrr.org/s/article/How-do-I-update-my-emergency-contact-information FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Rob and Becs welcome back to the show Jenny Simpson, a 2025 NYRR Hall of Fame inductee. Jenny has played a pivotal role as an ambassador and special advisor to Rising New York Road Runners, NYRR’s free youth running program. A three-time Olympian and 11-time U.S. national champion, she dominated the iconic 5th Avenue Mile with a record eight victories. Jenny recently retired from professional racing after finishing the 2024 New York City Marathon and shares her latest adventure—a 50-state running road trip with her husband, Jason, to celebrate local running communities. Plus, Meb talks with Shivaii Nikam, who joined the NYRR Youth Ambassadors program back in 2019, and is now a junior at Brooklyn Technical High School and a member of the school’s cross country and track teams. Meb also speaks with Mohammed Saad, a physical therapist with Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and a member of the performance team conducting running mechanics assessments to help athletes prevent injuries.FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune into this live episode of Set the Pace during the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon weekend as Rob interviews the legendary Meb Keflezighi, who shares his experience running Chicago in 2003 with the goal to run sub 2:12. Then Meb turns the tables and interviews Rob about training for his own Chicago moment. Also joining the podcast is Al Hamood, the president and chief financial and administrative officer of Culligan International. Under his leadership, Culligan continues its commitment to sustainability and community impact—most recently partnering with New York Road Runners as the official hydration partner of the TCS New York City Marathon. FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paralympic silver medalist and newly announced 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Team Inspire runner Ali Truwit joins Rob and Becs this week. A former Yale swimmer, Ali survived a shark attack in 2023 that led to the devastating loss of her left foot. Then, less than a year later, Ali qualified for Team USA, winning two silver medals and setting American records at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Ali opens up about learning to live with fear, rebuilding her athletic identity, and training with a running blade. She also shares the mission behind her foundation, Stronger Than You Think, which helps provide prosthetics to young women and girls. She’s now setting her sights on completing her first TCS New York City Marathon. Plus, for this week’s Member Moment, Meb talks to Amina Garau, who discovered her love for racing after moving from Sardinia to New York City in 2018, where she ran her first NYRR race, the Italy Run. She co-founded the NY World Runners team, helping others train and prepare for their first marathons. 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Team InspireNew York Road Runners Expands Sustainability Efforts for 2025 TCS New York City MarathonSupport Ali and Stronger Than You ThinkFOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode, Rob interviews Cole Cook, a filmmaker and the younger brother of Alicia Keys. Cole will run this year’s TCS New York City Marathon for Keep a Child Alive (KCA), a charity that Keys co-founded in 2003 to combat the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa and that now has a global mission to support children facing the most challenging circumstances. KCA's executive director, Antonio Ruiz-Giménez, joins Rob and Cole to discuss the organization’s heroic efforts to address critical needs like education, food security, and emergency relief for children. This will be Cole’s fourth TCS New York City Marathon, and he’s proud to be part of a team of over 200 KCA runners across multiple races. He says his sister will likely be following his race from afar—but there’s always a chance she’ll surprise him and show up in person! Also in this episode, Meb interviews first-time marathoner and NYRR member Enedina Cruz, who’s running on November 2 for NYRR Team for Kids.  Learn more about KCA here: https://www.keepachildalive.org/New York Road Runners Celebrates Record-Breaking Economic and Community Impact - https://www.nyrr.org/media-center/press-release/2025_0930_nyrrfy25impact FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMER  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Rob on this episode of Set the Pace is Jordan Litz, a Broadway actor and singer currently starring in “Wicked” as Fiyero. Originally from California, Jordan trained to be an Olympic swimmer, competing in the 2012 U.S. Olympic trials. He’s built a career on stage with performances in national tours and regional productions before making his Broadway debut. Off the stage, he’s an avid runner who recently took first place in the Broadway Mile at the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile, raising money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This November, Jordan will be running his first marathon at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon and on that day, he plans to perform in two “Wicked” shows! For this week’s Member Moment, Meb talks to Taurean Wiggins of Harlem Run. Taurean’s passion for running comes with a passion for his community and about seeing his neighbors challenge themselves and thrive on the run.FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Becs speaks with Sof Camacho about Sof's breakout year in distance running—winning the nonbinary division at the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon in 2:31:29 and, just weeks later, finishing the Valencia Marathon in 2:29:15, one of the fastest marathon times ever run by a nonbinary athlete. By day, Sof is chasing PRs and coaching other runners to find their potential; by night, they create art through tattooing as well as performing onstage as their drag persona Xana Whoria. Sof shares why their Mexican heritage inspires them every day and that letting go of perfection helped them push further than they ever imagined. Plus, ultramarathoner Jen Curtis joins the show for this week’s Member Moment. Jen has completed 24 marathons and, earlier this year, took on The Speed Project—a 300-mile race from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. She also supports mental health awareness through her family’s nonprofit, 4TeamBrock, dedicated to her brother who struggled with mental health.FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Rob and Becs welcome two of the greatest marathoners of all time—Eliud Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan—less than two months before their 2025 TCS New York City Marathon debuts. Fresh off her win at the Sydney Marathon and a year after her historic Olympic triple, Hassan continues to push boundaries few thought possible. Finishing in ninth place in Sydney, Kipchoge, at age 40, who finished ninth in Sydney, shares his positive outlook on the sport even as some wonder if it’s time for him to retire. Both reflect on their experience in Sydney and getting to know one another not only as runners but as friends. They can’t wait to run in New York City and feel the energy of the crowds as they run through the five boroughs. Plus, FDNY Battalion Chief Denis Sweeney joins the show for a special Member Moment on the 24th anniversary of 9/11. Denis has completed 21 New York City Marathons and is also the founder of the FDNY Running Club. Head to cookunity.com/nyrr and use the code MARATHONMEALS for 50% off your first order. FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Check out this exciting episode of Set the Pace as Olympian Carrie Tollefson interviews the winners of the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile. Olympic bronze medalist Yared Nuguse becomes the first American man to win the men’s race since 2016, and Olympic Trials finalist Gracie Morris ran the third-fastest time in the race's history. Hear from both athletes on their thrilling performances at this historic event, which hosted more than 9,000 athletes across 30 heats who braved the rain to race down Manhattan’s iconic 5th Avenue on Sunday. FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Live from the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, hosts Rob and Becs were joined by Olympian Yared Nuguse, who’ll be facing a deep competitive field this Sunday as he makes his debut at the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile. The Louisville native once planned to become an orthodontist while studying biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame, before focusing his talent on the track. Nuguse went on to earn bronze in the 1,500 meters at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and, in 2025, set an indoor mile world record at the Millrose Games—his third straight NYRR Wanamaker Mile title. For those listening to this episode on 710 WOR, stay tuned because directly after the show will be live coverage of the 2025 New Balance 5th Avenue Mile!FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s show, Rob and Becs talk with Jordan Fisher—best known for his roles in Broadway’s Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, and Moulin Rouge!, as well as Dancing with the Stars —and his wife, Ellie Fisher, who graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in clinical dietetics. This fall, Jordan will line up for the inaugural Broadway Mile at the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile while Ellie is training for her first marathon at the TCS New York City Marathon. Both are running their races to raise money for Broadway Cares and the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative. They open up about how they are supporting one another through their training journeys as both parents and partners. And for this week’s Member Moment, Meb talks to Lizzy Blomgren, a golf professional who has spent years teaching and competing in the sport. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 10, she’s learned to balance her athletic career with the daily demands of managing her condition.Support Ellie's Run For Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights Aids Support Rob's 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Run With TFK FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bravo TV’s Carl Radke, Peloton instructor Mariana Fernández, and Mallory Kilmer of @runswithMal are all training to run the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. Check them out on this week’s episode recorded live from the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub. Carl is four years sober and was inspired to run the marathon after experiencing the excitement of race day last year while cheering on a friend. He says running has been an amazing resource for his sobriety and recovery. Mallory has built one of New York’s largest free running communities, No More Lonely Runs, and Mariana Fernández, Peloton’s first bilingual instructor, credits her mother for inspiring her to run the marathon.Note: If you choose to wear headphones at a NYRR race, please ensure that you can hear all announcements and remain aware of your surroundings, including other participants, and that the volume is low enough so that the sound is not audible to other runners.FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Rob and Becs this week is British ultramarathon runner, and Becs’ fellow Peloton Tread instructor, Susie Chan. Susie didn’t start running until she was 35, when her brother convinced her to join him for a half marathon. Now, at age 50, she’s completed many marathons, including all six Abbott World Marathon Majors. She went on to conquer the Marathon des Sables, a six‑day, 250‑kilometer race through the Sahara; set a Guinness World Record by running 68.54 miles on a treadmill in 12 hours; and made ultrarunning history as the first European woman to finish all three Badwater Ultramarathon races in the same year. She’s also the award‑winning author of Trails and Tribulations: The Running Adventures of Susie Chan, which won Sports Performance Book of the Year at the 2025 Charles Tyrwhitt Sports Book Awards. Plus, this week’s Member Moment features Margaret Schwarz, who completed 20 consecutive New York City Marathons before shifting her endurance focus to open-water swimming. Support Rob's 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Run With TFKFOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s show, Rob and Becs are joined by Olympic silver medalist and three-time U.S. steeplechase champion Kenneth Rooks. Kenneth talks about his breakout performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics and what makes the steeplechase such a unique and demanding event. He shares his journey from high school runner to NCAA champion and opens up about his two-year church mission in Uganda—and how faith and resilience have shaped his athletic career. He also talks about what it’s like training in Provo, Utah alongside elite marathoners Conner Mantz and Clayton Young. All three athletes train under coach Ed Eyestone, who helps each find their strengths, which will give Kenneth the confidence to power his finishing kick when he faces the competition at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo next month. Plus, NYRR member Ottilia Demeter speaks with Meb about completing the TCS New York City Marathon wearing a shirt that read, “I am running with a brain tumor. What’s your superpower?” Support Rob's 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Run With TFKFOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Rob announced that he’ll be running the 2025 Chicago Marathon for Team for Kids, with Becs coaching him to a Boston Marathon qualifying time. Tune in to learn what Becs has planned for Rob’s training program. Featured on the show is guest Patina Miller—Tony Award and Grammy Award-winning actor and avid runner. She’s completed the TCS New York City Marathon twice and recently ran the 2025 TCS London Marathon in pursuit of a six-star Abbott World Marathon Majors medal. Tina is also a mother, and this summer, is serving as a mentor for the 2025 cohort of our Run for the Future program. Plus, Meb interviews Leanna Scaglione for this week’s Member Moment. Leanna is the 2025 national ambassador for the Children’s Tumor Foundation and is aiming for her fourth Abbott World Marathon Majors star at the 2025 Berlin Marathon. And don’t miss the launch of our special TCS New York City Marathon Meb Minute series, where Meb counts down the miles to the finish line and offers training tips. WATCH the show on YouTube!!! FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Susanna Sullivan, the top American finisher at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, joins Set the Pace this week to talk about the preparation it took to clock a blazing 2:21:56 finish time. She went on to be the top American finisher at the 2025 London Marathon. Susanna isn’t just one of the fastest American marathon runners around, she’s also a sixth-grade math teacher in Virginia. She shares with Rob and Becs what it’s like to go from teaching pre-algebra during the week to competing against world-class runners on the weekend. Susanna is preparing for the 2025 World Athletics Championships marathon in Tokyo, where she’ll represent Team USA. For this week’s Member Moment, Meb interviews Team for Kids runner Udai Jariwala who, after two knee replacements, ran his first marathon at age 75 at the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon. Udai says that running slow has made him a faster runner. Support Rob's 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Run With TFKLearn More about the 2025 Start Line Series FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first-ever video version of Set the Pace launches this week at the Peloton Studios in NYC, as Rob and Becs interview Queens-born N.O.R.E., who burst onto the scene in the late 1990s as one half of the hip-hop duo Capone-N-Noreaga. He went on to a successful solo career, and most recently, became the co-host of the popular podcast Drink Champs, where he interviews rap legends over a few drinks. Find out how this hip-hop veteran went from “Noreaga” to “marathon runner,” and why he’s embracing health and wellness with the same passion that he’s brought to his music career. When his homie Busta Rhymes asked him, “What do you do this for?” N.O.R.E. said he runs to “be a better version of me.” Plus, a few weeks ago, Meb caught up with NYRR member Noah Perez, a young runner who took up the sport on a whim and dove in headfirst, drawn by the challenge and competition. The more he ran, the more running became something deeper. WATCH the show on YouTube!!! FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTubeSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMER  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining the show this week is Deborah McFadden, a trailblazer in disability rights who played a key role in passing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). At 23, while in graduate school, Deborah was struck with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare illness that causes paralysis. Facing intense discrimination, Deborah became determined to fight for disability equality and was later appointed U.S. Commissioner of Disabilities under President George H.W. Bush. The ADA transformed public life by mandating curb cuts, ramps, accessible restrooms, and equal access to education and employment. Deborah is the mother of Paralympic athletes Tatyana and Hannah McFadden. During a humanitarian trip to Russia, Deborah met six-year-old Tatyana, a child with spina bifida living in an orphanage. Deborah brought her home to the U.S., later adopting Hannah from an orphanage in Albania. Determined to give her daughters equal opportunities, she fought for inclusive school sports—leading to the Tatyana’s Law, which guarantees equal athletic opportunities for students with disabilities.Today's Member Moment is with Kristian Ramos and stay tuned for a special Meb Minute with HSS all about crosstraining for runners, featuring Mohammad Saad, PT, DPT .FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTokSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emmy award-winning filmmaker Rudy Valdez joins Rob to talk about directing “Final Finishers,” a new documentary that premiered at the Tribeca Festival and marks the launch of NYRR’s in-house studio, East 89th St Productions. The film highlights the incredible journeys of the back-of-the-pack runners—whose stories of grit and determination embody the spirit of what it takes to run 26.2 miles. Rudy shares insights on the collaborative nature of filmmaking, what drew him to the project, the importance of inclusive storytelling, and how the experience inspired him to start training for a marathon himself on November 2 at the TCS New York City Marathon. And for this week’s Member Moment, Meb interviewed Anne Giovanoni, a New York City Marathon streaker with 16 finishes under her belt who was so inspired by the determination of the final finishers that she became a supporter of the documentary. FOLLOW NYRR: Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTokSUPPORT: Support the Set the Pace podcast! If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.DISCLAIMERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.