Marathon Talk

Swapping guitars for trainers last week, Rou Reynolds was one of a record-breaking 56,640 finishers in London - the biggest ever!    From his maiden marathon, to an exhilarating elite field, to an exciting announcement from the Cape Town Marathon, we’ve all this and more on this week’s unmissable Marathon Talk!   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 4:15 - The huge news this week comes from London and Cape Town, with huge performances from Sebastian Sawe and Tigist Assefa, 5-on-the-bounce for Marcel Hug, and South Africa’s biggest marathon taking on the Age Group World Championships 18:00 - Enter Shikari’s Rou Reynolds talks us through his 26.2 miles, how he balances running with a rockstar lifestyle, and the magic that’s unique to marathons 43:30 - We crown a winner from our community for the closest prediction, and cover some of your greatest performances Marathon Talk is proudly powered by Abbott World Marathon Majors, who create, build and support opportunities for all to discover the power of the m

Welcome to a truly jam-packed episode of Marathon Talk this week, where we bring you all of the news from a thrilling weekend of racing at the Boston Marathon. From John Korir’s incredible comeback after a shocking start-line tumble to Sharon Lokedi’s course record.   We then head across the Atlantic to a preview of this weekend’s TCS London Marathon, featuring an insane elite field that includes Eliud Kipchoge, Sifan Hassan and a potential world record showdown.    Plus we have an exclusive interview with Spencer Barden, Head of Elite Athletes at London Marathon Events, the mastermind behind assembling these Marathon stars.    In this episode of Marathon Talk:   0:00 - Martin & Deena share their personal running updates including spring weather, stargazing and hill-training 4:31 - Boston Marathon Review: We discuss the unique features of Boston such as the finish line area, pop-up shops and competitive nature.  11:21 - Men’s Race Highlights including John Korir’s back-to-back wins. 13:03 - Women’

It’s race week for the Majors, and we’re kicking off a stellar double header with a trip to the fabled grounds of Boston!   We have the lowdown on defending champions in Hellen Obiri and Sisay Lemma, Catherine Debrunner’s potential course record clean-sweep, and former Boston Champion Meb Keflezighi shares his top tips for taking on the Boston course.   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Martin & Deena catch up on their spring motivations, and preparations for Boston & London 5:00 - We round up the big stories ahead of Boston, from the defending champions and a potential clean sweep of course records, to Marcel Hug’s 8th possible win at Boston 13:35 - Statman Stew joins us for some exclusive statistics for the Boston race, including the 1,585 6 Star hopefuls, 3 birthday runners, and 2 new countries to give us first-time 6 Star Finishers 24:45 - ‘Marathon Meb’ recounts his experience with the Boston course, and shares his top tips on how you can make your way to Boyleston Street running y

Rethink your marathon nutrition, because we’re debunking some of the biggest fueling myths with Six Star Finisher and Nutritionist, Meghann Featherstun!   She joins us in a packed Marathon Talk to help you unlock your full potential on your next long run, plus we cover the running world’s biggest news from London’s 56,000 strong lineup, to the GOAT’s return down under, and a race for our robot overlords in Beijing…   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 3:30 - The big news this week features Eliud Kipchoge’s appearance at Sydney’s first Major, a ‘race that eats its young’, London’s record-breaking lineup, a robot race in Beijing, and much more 19:15 - Meghann Featherstun, nutritionist and Six Star Finisher, debunks the biggest carbo loading myths, guides us through proper fuelling, and shares recovery strategies to nail your next long run 46:30 - Notes from our community this week include Rome Marathon finishers Davina and Josh, and a statement of intent from regional listener Brian Marathon Talk is pro

An unseasonably hot 69 Farenheit couldn’t stop over 36 thousand athletes taking on Tokyo, and this week on Marathon Talk we’ve all the star-studded stories from the week!   Between the elite winners half a minute ahead of their rivals, Paula Radcliffe & Harry Styles’ stellar efforts, and this week’s guest Adele Roberts securing another star on her Six Star Journey, you won’t want to miss this jam-packed episode of Marathon Talk!   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - We catch up with Martin’s tempo running, a dodgy achilles, and Deena’s run-in with a delighted Marathon Talk listener in Lake Tahoe 3:45 - All the big stories from Tokyo, from the elite fields beating the heat and the hometown hero in the men’s wheelchair race, to Paula Radcliffe’s majestic return and the >2.5k athletes receiving a Six Star Medal in Japan 10:00 - We play a game of ‘Higher or Lower’ with Deena, all based around one of the world’s biggest stars’ finishing time in Tokyo - Harry Styles’ 3:24:07 14:00 - Broadcaster, Ru

COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide, but that’s not stopped Russell Winwood from a stellar journey to his Six Star Medal.   He’s our inspirational guest on this week’s Marathon Talk, taking us through his battle with the relatively unknown lung disease.   Join us for this episode, as we also round up all the latest in the running world - from Jacob Kiplimo’s blistering half-marathon WR, to a milestone moment for our Six Star Finishers this weekend in Tokyo!   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - We kick off this week with a catch up that takes us through cross country comps, birthdays, and Martin’s map-mishaps 7:40 - The London elite field is looking racier off the back of Jacob Kiplimo’s new half-marathon WR, so we look ahead to weigh up his chances, set our sights on Tokyo’s race this weekend, and share the huge milestone for AWMM’s Six Star Finishers 22:30 - Russell Winwood talks us through his battles with COPD, the third leading cause of death in the world, and how he’s overcome

From mental health advocate triathletes to parkrun romantics to World Record teens, we’ve an absolutely packed episode of Marathon Talk this week! On episode 63, Martin & Deena bring us the latest on World Indoor Records that have been shattered, a New Zealand teen taking on Jakob Ingebritsen’s milestones, and we share YOUR stories of matchmaking on the move. Meanwhile, it’s a privilege to hear from Raymond Braun, as he opens up about his mental health struggles, the endurance feats that are helping him overcome them, and his marvellous mental health work with Olympians. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Martin & Deena catch up on birthday celebrations, seasonal training, Deena’s discipline, and how to stay motivated in your training 7:40 - The latest news this week brings us a new World Indoor Record in the 3,000m, a new World Age Group Record for Sam Ruthie, and we share YOUR stories finding love on the run 18:40 - Training Talk is back! With Tokyo round the corner, we bring you tips on

With a huge marathon season fast-approaching, it’s time to ask: Are you Race Ready? Our special guest on Marathon Talk this week, Tim Good, is behind a new, free app that promises to help avoid the unfortunate circumstances that led to the loss of his brother in 2011, and the story behind its development is a remarkable one. Join us this week as we also dive into the latest announcements for Tokyo’s elite field, share a mind-numbing treadmill World Record, and weigh in on a socks-and-sandals race-winner… In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Martin & Deena catch up on skiing escapades, the dire running weather in the UK, and the joys of heated running wear 10:30 - The news roundup this week features Tokyo’s elite field, which remains stellar even in spite of London and Boston’s fields, plus a new treadmill WR and Barnabas Kiplimo’s ‘super sandals’ 29:40 - Tim Good joins us to share the story behind the loss of his brother, and the long journey that the Matthew Good Foundation has taken to make ra

All-time best lineups, exclusive news, and Paula Radcliffe herself on Marathon Talk? We couldn’t start 2025 any better, could we… Paula Radcliffe MBE is our very first guest on the show, talking to us ahead of her majestic marathon return! She’s taking on Tokyo and Boston, the latter of which has a stacked elite field… or so we thought, til London unveiled their roster. Get the jump on two of the most anticipated races in a generation, with one of the most iconic runners of a generation, on episode 61 of Marathon Talk. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - We kick off the first show of the year checking in on Deena’s discipline, and set our goals for the year ahead 12:45 - Boston and London have released their incredibly competitive elite fields, so we sift through the contenders who might take victory in these stellar fields 33:50 - Marathon icon and former World Record Holder Paula Radcliffe MBE is our very special guest, sharing the first steps on her marathon return, Six Star ambitions, and what

It’s the last show of the year, so what better way to round off 2024 than with a look at 2024’s most memorable moments! In celebration of Sydney’s 7th Star status, we’ve hand-picked 7 standout stories; from remarkable Six Star Finishers to blistering records, we’ve been treated to a stellar year for the sport. Join Martin and Deena one last time, for the very best of 2024! In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - For the final time this year, we hear how Martin and Deena are rounding off 2024 and preparing for the Christmas period - training or otherwise… 15:30 - We run down the 7 biggest moments of the running year, from Ruth’s record-breaking race and Chris Nikic’s heroism, to Sydney’s finest hour and Sifan Hassan’s incredible gold medal 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/  

Record-breaking debutants, speedy teens and iconic Six Star Finishers - we have it all in this week’s Marathon Talk!   Among all the world-best performances from the lilies of Sabastian Sawe and Gout Gout, we’re joined in this episode by the iconic Tommie Runz off the back of running all six Majors this year.   Tune in to catch his take on the Majors circuit and representing his community, while we also cover Valencia’s rapid performances, a thrilling cross country title, and much more…   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - We have a brief catchup with Deena and Martin on their discipline challenges, and an underwhelming USA vs England women’s match at Wembley 6:10 - We have a new fastest debutant, a new fastest teenager in the world, a new Female Athlete of the Year, and questions over Ingebritsen’s future 22:00 - Tommie Runz joins us to talk 6 Stars, which was his favourite, the hero that is Ted Metelles, his journey to sobriety, and representing so many communities Marathon Talk is proudly po

Sydney, Shanghai, Cape Town: what do all these new and prospective Majors mean for marathon running’s greatest prize? This week’s news roundup collides with the Q&A spotlight that we shine upon Abbott World Marathon Majors’ Danny Coyle! Cape Town and Shanghai are taking strides in their journey to become Majors, and Danny shares what this means for all the Six Star Hopefuls, and for those of you hungry for more… In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Deena’s taking on a new challenge with discipline at its core, and Martin’s been easing back into the rhythm of running amid a snowy spell in the UK 17:30 - The big news this week is around Cape Town’s latest step towards becoming a new Major, while Shanghai gets its first assessment on the board, and Valencia’s marathon hopes to unite its people now more than ever 24:45 - Abbott World Marathon Majors’ Danny Coyle answers all your burning questions on the future of the Six Star Medal, and unveils long-term plans for a thrilling Nine Star Medal… Mara

One week on from the most incredible race in New York, it’s time to look back on our race in the five boroughs, and the top stories from the elite field.   In a packed show this week, we’ve also got all the numbers on this year’s Six Star Finishers, and following Sydney’s exciting news that it’ll join the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2025, we catch up with the incredible Wayne Larden, Race Director for the newly minted Major!   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Deena and Martin take another long look back at their magnificent experience in New York last week, sharing more of their favourite moments from the five boroughs 20:30 - A detailed look back on the elite results in New York, with a flying Dutchman’s first Major win, an upset in the women’s field, and our insider knowledge on Marcel Hug’s crash 28:20 - Wayne Larden, Sydney Marathon’s Event Director, joins us fresh from the news of Sydney’s newfound Major status, to share how the race has evolved and grown, and future plans for the 7th S

It’s crunch time for Martin and Deena - they took on the 5 boroughs together, but how did they fare?   They bring you a very special episode of Marathon Talk from on the streets of New York City, bringing to life the stories of those around them, and an impressive roundup of the elite field results… literally as they happened!   Join us for 26.2 miles of the infectious New York atmosphere, plus a bonus update on Sydney’s strides to become the 7th Major…   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Martin & Deena make their final preparations, and the early morning trek to the start line 7:30 - We hear from Achilles International guide Rosie from New Zealand as she guides fellow Kiwi Paul through his first international marathon, and the NYPD’s Russel as he lauds the way that the race brings us together 17:40 - At the 17th mile, we share the stories of some fabulous French volunteers, and an ambitious Brazilian 6 Star hopeful on their third punt at New York  21:20 - From the huge 20 mile mark, we pus

New York is calling… The TCS New York City Marathon is this weekend, but are Martin, Deena, and the elite field ready? One man who is, and our special guest on Marathon Talk this week, is NYC legend, 12x New York finisher and 3x Six Star Finisher, Ron Romano - he gives us the lowdown on how to nail New York! Elsewhere, Martin & Deena cover yet another World Record, the shoe technology that might be behind the recent upsurge in women’s record-setters, and we look at how the elite field shapes up for the end of the Abbott World Marathon Majors Series. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - We catch up with Martin and Deena from their spooky Halloween seasons, and touch on Martin’s… unscheduled taper 11:25 - New York race week brings us big names and even bigger stories to be written, Yomif Kejelcha takes down the half marathon record, and we dive deeper into Ruth Chepng’etich and how she tore the women’s record to shreds 25:50 - Ron Romano’s 12 New York finishes make him an authority on the 5 boroug

The new Women’s World Record wasn’t just pipped by a few seconds in Chicago… it was utterly obliterated. Take a bow, Ruth Chepng'etich.   With front row seats to the first woman running sub-2:10, Chicago’s Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski is our special guest in a stacked show on this week’s Marathon Talk!   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - We kick off with tales of Deena’s Chicago experience, and a check in on Martin and Deena’s… questionable training progress 8:20 - The headlines belong to new record-holder Ruth Chepng'etich, but we cover all from the 12th fastest all-time race in the men’s field, and a dogfight in the wheelchair races 26:00 - Carey Pinkowski gives us the inside track on how Chicago put on its historic race, Kelvin Kiptum’s legacy, and how Chicago so often attracts greatness 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.wo

Every runner has a story, and Rob Simmelkjaer’s unique journey gives him an inspiring focus on telling those fascinating stories.   Rob is our special guest on this week’s Marathon Talk, as he runs us through his experience as a newly-minted Berlin finisher, and his insider tips for those running through the 5 boroughs of NYC next month!   Elsewhere in the show, Martin lets us in on his ‘rookie’ moment, we’ve an uplifting tale of a new 6 Star Finisher with COPD, and we wrap up the biggest stories from Berlin.   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - We catch up with Deena’s trail running and family’s cross-country escapades, and Martin confesses his rookie error… 13:00 - Berlin Marathon was a fast and fascinating field as ever - we round up the African dominance in the men’s and women’s fields, the Swiss double in wheelchair races, and an inspiring 6 Star Finisher with COPD 25:05 - Rob Simmelkjaer shares his experience in Berlin, weighs in on the power of storytelling in the marathon community, and sh

Of all the prospects from Sydney Marathon’s ram-packed weekend, perhaps the most enticing might be its future status as a seventh Major…   We’ve a huge show this week, featuring a three-time 6 Star Finisher to give us the lowdown on Sydney’s course, whether it’s likely to become that seventh star, and if not then what it could improve.   Elsewhere, the Age Group World Championships gave us some admirable performances, Jacob Ingrbritsen gave us a wild show at the Copenhagen Half Marathon, and much more!    In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Kicking off the show, we hear about Martin and Deena’s escapades, which include Deena’s fulfilling family time, and unfortunately we see Martin nursing a new injury 8:20 - It’s a huge news roundup off the back of Sydney, with their assessment to become a Major, the stunning performances in the Age Group World Championships, and Jacob Ingebritsen’s madcap Copenhagen half marathon attempt 27:50 - Kelly Willis joins us fresh from her front row ‘seat’ at the Sydney

It’s not every week that we’re joined on Marathon Talk by an OLYMPIC CHAMPION; let alone one who won gold in such a dramatic style… Cole Hocker was Paris’ 1500m Olympic Champion, and we get the scoop from him on how he trumped the titans of Kerr and Ingebritsen, the training mentality that unlocked such a performance, and the power of choosing your stresses! Elsewhere in the show, we check in on Martin’s triathlon triumphs, eye up the stellar lineups for autumn marathon season, round up a surprise winner in the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, and so much more… In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - At the top of the show, we’re focused Martin’s performance in the the 2nd of his triathlons this year, with some unique challenges and a heartwarming moment to remember 9:10 - The big stories this week come courtesy of a surprise winner for the gruelling Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, Sydney’s Age Group World Champs & assessment to become a Major, and we look ahead to the autumn lineups 27:25 - Olympic Champion

It’s with a heavy heart that we wave au revoir to Paris for the Olympics, but what a thrilling anthology of racing stories it’s written for us.   Not only do we debrief all the quintessential moments from the games on Marathon Talk this week, but off the back of THAT men’s 1500m, we speak with the agent for all three medal winners - Irish Mile Record Holder, Ray Flynn!   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - This episode’s opening ceremony features Deena’s incredible experiences at the games in Paris, and which stories stood out to her and Martin throughout the games 11:05 - It’s a packed news round up this week with the best from Hassan’s stellar sprint in the marathon, 1500m rivalries, a look ahead to the Paralympics, and what YOU could qualify for in LA 2028… 37:35 - The agent for ALL the men’s 1500m medal winners, Olympian, and Irish Mile Record Holder Ray Flynn is our fabulous guest on the show, sharing the secrets behind managing three of the world’s top athletes   Marathon Talk is proudly po