Marathon Talk

After a thrilling season we’ve crowned our Abbott World Marathon Majors Series champions, and in elite women’s wheelchair racing, Catherine Debrunner reigns supreme.   Her series culminated in a stunning three wins on the bounce in arguably the best year of her career to date, and we’re fortunate to have her join us on Marathon Talk this week!   Elsewhere on the show we debrief after a NYC thriller, prepare for Kelvin Kiptum’s next shot at the sub-2 hour race, and Deena’s scintillating commentary for the world feed.   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Deena’s recovery from a 25 hour trip home from New York & the excitement of commentating on the world feed 11:20 - Rounding up a thriller in NYC with a course record broken, close call in the women’s race, and Marcel Hug completing the clean sweep 33:50 - Catherine Debrunner joins us to break down her HUGE 2023, becoming Series XV Champion, the challenges of NYC street racing, and much more   Marathon Talk is proudly powered by Abbott World Ma

Imagine your first marathon almost breaking a national record - that’s how you break onto the scene and make a statement. Barring Paula Radcliffe’s time in London, Calli Thackery’s 2:22:11 is the UK’s best, and as she sets her sights on the Paris Olympic Games, she joins us to share the run that’s been 15 years in the making. Elsewhere we’re gearing up for New York, as Letesenbet Geday prepares for his Majors debut, the women’s wheelchair race features four fierce frontrunners, and Marcel Hug’s lining up an unprecedented clean sweep. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Martin’s dinner with the stars, Deena’s joyful exploration, and the art of leaf peeping 9:00 - A roundup of Deena’s induction to the New York Road Runners’ Hall of Fame, the stacked lineup for NYC, and Marcel Hug’s hunt for a clean sweep 20:00 - Calli Thackery takes us through her route to running the UK’s 2nd fastest women’s marathon EVER, setting her sights on Paris, and enjoying running for what it is, rather than goal-chasing M

We’ve just witnessed the fastest marathon ever run, the first under 2:01 - last week’s Chicago Marathon will go down in history. The stars aligned, and the weather played ball for not only some earth-shattering runs from Kelvin Kiptum and Sifan Hassan, but also the Age Group World Championships. Taking part in that event was this week’s guest on the show, Gene Dykes, and we spoke to him about his amazing performance, alongside our analysis on the future of shoe tech and tumbling records. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Deena’s front row seats for the Chicago Marathon, and Martin’s other running escapades 8:00 - All the lowdown from Chicago, with Kiptum & Hassan’s stellar runs, the start of a race for shoe supremacy, and much more 37:00 - We sit down with the incredible Gene Dykes to get his take on an exemplary performance, unparalleled dedication to his watch, and setting his sights on yet another World Record Marathon Talk is proudly powered by Abbott World Marathon Majors, who create,

World records are toppling in the marathon world - stand up and take a bow Tigist Assefa and Keith Turner.   The new women’s record fell in a truly stunning Berlin Marathon last week, and Keith Turner’s half marathon time sets a benchmark for a visually impaired, untethered athlete.   Join us as we share a conversation with Keith and his guide, Jim Roberts, in this week’s Marathon Talk, cover off the biggest stories from Berlin, and look ahead to Chicago next week…   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Catching up on Martin and Deena’s escapades, recent runs, and how they stack up to the recent record-breaking runs 5:00 - One of the most breathtaking weeks in marathon running with Berlin’s record-setting race, and how it sets up a super showdown in Chicago 32:30 - The amazing duo of Keith Turner and Jim Roberts give us the inside track on how they set the new half marathon WR for a blind, untethered runner   Marathon Talk is proudly powered by Abbott World Marathon Majors, who create, build and s

The Wanda Age Group World Championships have never been hosted on a non-majors course before… Enter: The Sydney Marathon.   As the budding race hopes to become the 7th Major, we hear from the marvellous Wayne Larden on what it’s like to be Race Director of a course with such potential.   Elsewhere, we touch on Berlin’s stellar lineups, a mad Mexico City race with thousands of DQs, and why housework is as dangerous as any high intensity sport…   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Martin & Deena return to cover a surprise visit to A&E, a thrilling road bike race, and racing children 9:50 - Rounding up the marathon world’s top stories, from a Mexico City marathon fraught with cheaters, to the anticipation building for Sydney & Berlin this month 21:10 - Sydney Marathon’s Race Director, Wayne Larden, shares the race’s fascinating journey to hosting the Age Group World Championships, and its hopes to become the 7th Major   Marathon Talk is proudly powered by Abbott World Marathon Majors, w

The 6 Star Journey is for all of us, and nobody shouts that louder than an amazing woman who recently earned the 6 Star Finisher’s medal for herself - Alexandria Williams.   She joins us in an inspirational episode of Marathon Talk, which sees the return of Martin in the co-hosting seat, a wild World Record set in high heels, and murmurings of Martin’s next race…   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - We herald Martin’s return with a look at his and Deena’s contrasting camping escapades, connecting with nature through running, and the Women’s World Cup 10:50 - Rounding up the World Athletics Championships’ dramatic Women’s 10,000m, warming up for this weekend’s race in Budapest, and a new high heeled World Record 25:25 - Alexandria Williams shares the inspirational journey she’s taken to becoming a 6 Star Finisher, and the importance of the running community   Marathon Talk is proudly powered by Abbott World Marathon Majors, who create, build and support opportunities for all to discover the power

Long-time Marathon Talk listeners will be treated to a familiar voice this week, in the majestic return of former Co-Host: the wonderful Tom Williams! Tom joins Deena to guest host an episode packed with news of Chicago’s lineup announcements, the US Olympic Trials in Orlando, and some grand race plans of his own. He also stars in our interview section, where he joins forces once again with Martin to discuss parkrun’s landmark achievements, the value of volunteers, and majors aspirations. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Starting the show with a focus on Tom’s major impact on the global running community, and his time-pressured race plans 9:20 - Wrapping up the biggest stories, from the continued wait for Kiptum vs Kipchoge, to the sweat-inducing start time announcement for the US Olympic Trials 22:40 - The long-awaited reunion for Martin and Tom, as the former Co-Hosting pair cover the parkrun landscape, huge global milestones, and Tom’s lessons & moments of pride in his accomplishments M

Dawna Stone needs no introduction, as her achievements and commitment in the running community speak for themselves. An Apprentice winner, Co-Founder of The Women’s Half Marathon series, Founder of Women’s Running Magazine, and of course CEO at Abbott World Marathon Majors, it’s a delight to host Dawna on this week’s Marathon Talk! Elsewhere, Danny Coyle steps into Martin’s co-hosting shoes as we tackle a superb showing in the Diamond League, a new World Record in the mile, Deena’s upcoming TEDx Talk, and so much more… In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Introducing interim co-host Danny with a look at the World Cup, Deena’s high school reunion, and an exciting TEDx opportunity 7:20 - Rounding up some stellar times in the Diamond League, a new World Record in the mile, and Jeannie Rice’s domination at the age group world championships 17:05 - Abbott World Marathon Majors’s CEO Dawna Stone shares her staggering career in marathon media, huge hurdles she’s overcome, and the tenets that she holds true

It takes a special talent to stay atop your field for over 15 years, but since Beijing in 2008, Madison de Rozario has continued to excel. The multiple gold medal winner & London Marathon champion is our special guest on Marathon Talk this week, bringing an uplifting demeanour matched by a determination to grow and excel. Elsewhere in the show, Martin & Deena share tales of 200 races in 200 days with 2 dogs, how you can still bag a spot in next year’s London Marathon, training tips for races next spring, and so much more! In this episode of Marathon Talk: Martin & Deena catch up on celebratory camping, Deena’s teammate’s Budapest marathon, and the power of training with & against the wind 7:15 - The fortnight’s biggest stories, from thrilling UK & US Track & Field finishes to the Tour de France’s rapid runners, two marathon-running dogs, and much more 27:20 - Madison de Rozario talks us through her dominant paralympics performances, cherishing the London Marathon, her special Bar

At the start of every marathoner’s journey is a spark, and Nora Nishi’s shines so brightly that it gives life to those around. Nora has a wise head on young shoulders, learning from the best as she recounts the joys of her first marathon, and plans for many to come… Join us on Marathon Talk as we share her story, cover the changing Kenyan World Championship lineup, a new world-best Parkrun, and much more! In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Kicking off with Martin’s heartwarming ride up Mount Ventoux & our genius idea to spice up Short Track events 9:00 - Rounding up the stunning Chicago lineup announcements, a new world-best Parkrun record, and a shoutout to fellow marathon podcaster and all around inspiration, Ali Feller 22:45 - Nora Nishi on taking advice from a phonebook of professional runners, her first marathon run in Houston, and her incredibly multi-talented aspirations Marathon Talk is proudly powered by Abbott World Marathon Majors, who create, build and support opportunities for a

Spectators of Gerda Steyn’s Comrades run were treated to 5 hours, 44 minutes and 54 seconds of pure athletic prowess, and a brand new course record… This week on Marathon Talk, as we round up some of the standout stories and blistering times from the running world, we’re fortunate to have a fascinating discussion with the South African! Tune into episode 19, as we also illustrate the art of the benchmark run, and learn why meeting your heroes isn’t always all that it’s cracked up to be. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - We get things started with a look at the art of the benchmark session, and being a parent to an athletic child 11:20 - Rounding up the latest from the stellar Comrades Marathon, remarkable course records, world-beating times, technology revolutionising the Diamond League, and much more 30:45 - A fascinating interview with Gerda Steyn, an incredible athlete whose electric performance in South Africa set a new Comrades course record 1:03:30 - We close out with a story about Arnold

87.7km separate Wayne Spies from a showstopping 11th finish at the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon, Comrades. A 6 star finisher alongside his wife, Wayne is a shining beacon to those of us looking for the mental fortitude to conquer their running goals… He’s our special guest in this week’s Marathon Talk, where we dive into the stories of a particularly musical marathoner, the sad loss of running icon Rick Hoyt, a handcuffed marathon record attempt, and so much more! In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Opening with Deena & Martin’s recent running escapades, and some strange fox stories ranging from the heart-warming to the horrible 7:15 - News from the running world, including an icon’s sad passing, Indoor Athletics’ new name, a remarkable barefoot run for charity, a musical marathoner, and handcuffed world records 25:00 - The incredible Wayne Spies joins Deena ahead of his 11th Comrades Marathon, the South African race’s staggeringly unique challenges, and he shares the inspiring 6 st

The Running Charity’s purpose is positive and powerful, and in nobody is it more prevalent than the wonderful Victor Macauley. Victor, their Partnership Lead, joins us on Marathon Talk this week alongside CEO Alex Eagle for a dive into their life-changing work for homeless, disadvantaged and marginalised young people. Elsewhere in the episode, we’re tackling the Leeds Marathon, a new 100km World Record, and a disastrously drenched camping trip… In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Kicking off with an update on Martin & Deena’s training, and a disastrously drenched camping trip 9:45 - Rounding up some heartwarming news from the Leeds Marathon, Aleksandr Sorokin’s new 100km World Record, and the art of the ultra run 19:15 - The Running Charity’s Victor Macauley and Alex Eagle on their first London Marathon, inspiring the next generation, and running’s impact for marginalised communities Marathon Talk is proudly powered by Abbott World Marathon Majors, who create, build and support opportunities

The TCS London Marathon had it all - world records, a new course record, a sprint finish, and a remarkable new 6 Star Finisher in Anthony Butler. The visually-impaired runner completed the race alongside Jessie Rix, his partner in both running and wedlock, a story which we hear more of as they join us for this week’s Marathon Talk! Tune in to hear all about last week’s guests’ emotional race, Sifan Hassan’s wacky route to winning one of the best ever women’s fields, Marcel Hug’s wheelchair domination, and much more…   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - An introduction where we catch up on the emotional London story of last week’s guests, Sam & Chrissie 7:35 - Covering the immensely eventful London Marathon with a look at Sifan Hassan’s bizarre winning performance, Kelvin Kiptum’s course record and 45 World Records 35:00 - A heartwarming conversation of romance and racing with visually-impaired 6-Star Finisher Anthony Butler and his wife & guide, Jessie Rix   Marathon Talk is proudly powe

With a shocking Boston Marathon behind us and the formidable challenge of London just a few days out, it’s all go in the marathon world… Among the jam-packed highlights and hopeful finishers are Eliud Kipchoge’s surprise loss to Evans Chebet, and this week’s guests Sam Perkins & Chrissie Wellington taking on a stunning assisted wheelchair race in London. Join us this week as we also feature Abbott World Marathon Majors’ very own Danny Coyle LIVE from Boston to detail the aftermath of the races, including a masterclass from Susannah Scaroni in both racing, and on-track repairs… In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Kicking off with Martin & Deena’s latest runs and recovery from Paris 5:30 - A huge roundup of Boston’s standout stories, with Danny Coyle dialling in from the Boston Marathon press conference 29:00 - Sizable predictions for the London Marathon, weighing up debutants against running titans in the star-studded women’s field 36:10 - Training Talk this week touches on how to react wh

Running is truly for everyone, and there’s no greater champion for that notion than the remarkable Haroon Mota. A 6 Star Finisher, Founding Director of Active Inclusion Network, and huge advocate for running within the Muslim community, Haroon joins us on Marathon Talk to share his experiences of training through Ramadan. We’re also hot off the back of Paris, so we hear Deena’s exciting experiences and the standout stories from the race, plus a segment of training talk with some quick top tips for race day success. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - We kick off with Deena’s exhilarating Paris Marathon experience, and some tips for those of you looking to do the same next year 16:00 - Rounding up the big stories from Paris, including a sprint finish, debutant winner, and looking ahead to Eilish McColgan’s big London debut 30:00 - Training Talk this week covers 5 quick tips to see you through the big day if you’ve been training for a spring marathon 34:20 - An uplifting interview with Haroon Mota,

Everything that Regina Fleming does in running, she had lying within from the start. So ask yourself: What do you have inside of you that’s yet to be discovered?   Regina dubs herself an ‘accidental runner’ - an accident which very recently became a stunning 6 Star Finisher’s medal…   Deena chats to Regina in an inspiring interview this week on Marathon Talk, where we also talk about trusting the taper in Training Talk, final figures on the record-breaking Tokyo race, and much more!   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Opening up with Deena’s successful ‘panic training’ for Paris, and inspiring stories from the LA marathon, where she commentated 11:25 - The biggest stories we’ve yet to hear from Tokyo, including the final tally of record-breaking 6 Star Finishers, plus a scintillatingly close NYC half marathon in the wheelchair division, and possibly the most bizarre race ever devised… 21:40 - Training Talk: The Taper, how to trust in the preparations you’ve made and taper successfully to recharge

Tokyo was an exhilarating weekend of marathon racing, with a remarkable Guinness World Record to boot - never have more 6 Star Finishers been crowned in a single race! Being a part of that record is a privilege that Dr Steve Sigmund experienced, and we chat to him on Marathon Talk this week to understand his heartwarming journey to that finish line. Beyond the 3,000 new 6 Star Finishers, we cover the spectacular sprint finish, more preparation tips for your next spring marathon, national record-breaking runs, and so much more… In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Deena’s preparation (or lack thereof) for Paris and Martin’s parkrun gains 9:40 - Rounding up Tokyo’s staggering runs and sprint finishes, plus a look at Eilish McColgan’s chances in the TCS London Marathon next month 24:50 - Training Talk: we’re guiding you towards a spring marathon, looking at speed sessions in your final 6 week runup 31:00 - Deena talks to the incredible Dr Stephen Sigmund, who balanced emergency work with training, an

The final stretch of the World Athletics Cross Country Championships race in Bathurst was fraught with drama, and with the marathon route in Budapest revealed, it’s a big week in the running world. We’ve got a ram-packed episode of Marathon Talk this week with a look at the all-important long run in your marathon training, and the single fall that cost the Bathurst race.  On top of all the news and training talk, we have a fantastic interview with the incredible Alfred Scaletta who’s set to finish his 72nd marathon in Tokyo as a 6 Star Finisher, 46 years after his first Chicago. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Catching up on the previous fortnight, including a heartwarming bike ride for a friend with an unfortunate, recent diagnosis 10:20 - We bring all the news from Bathurst’s dramatic World Cross Country Championships 28:45 - Training Talk: we look at the long run, and how you can experiment with it to improve your race day 37:10 - Alfred Scaletta shares his 72 marathons’ experience, 46 yea

Mary Ngugi is not only an accomplished marathoner, but a force of nature, a catalyst for change, and an inspiration both throughout her racing and beyond.   Having launched Nala Track Club, she’s creating opportunities for young girls in Kenya with the potential to achieve similar success.   We hear from Mary on the podcast this week, as we also take a look at the stellar elite field for London, Tokyo’s record-breaking run next month, and how much race pace you’re really sacrificing by missing out on training sessions.   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Martin & Deena catch up and share their experiences with unique run plans and strength training 13:43 - Rounding up news on the recently announced elite field for April’s TCS London Marathon, and Tokyo’s Guinness World Record-breaking run next month 21:10 - Training Talk: New research on how much impact a run of consistent missed sessions can have on final race pace 29:05 - Mary Ngugi’s inspiring interview, discussing her start in distance