Explore every episode of the podcast Marathon Talk
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP99 | What Went Down In Chi-Town | 16 Oct 2026 | 00:51:46 | |
In this week's episode, we have all the details from last weekend's Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Deena was on the ground, taking in the whole event, where we saw some incredible racing. And I spoke with the wonderful Emma Bates, who watched from a distance but was nonetheless enthralled by the highly competitive women's racing. Emma joins us to talk about Chicago, motherhood, and much more. On this episode of Marathon Talk:
Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Emma Bates | Instagram | |||
| EP98 | From 125KG To A 2:20 Marathon Finish | 02 Oct 2026 | 01:06:20 | |
In this week's episode, we look at what went down at the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, as Tigst Assefa comes within seconds of an historic win, but has she sacrificed too much in pursuit of the record? And speaking of Berlin, our guest Sam Griffiths was in the German capital this weekend. The Brecon-based runner finished a very respectable 81st place on Sunday, but the story of how he got there is truly inspirational. We've also got a preview of next week's Bank of America Chicago Marathon. On this episode of Marathon Talk:
Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors | Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Sam Griffiths | Instagram | |||
| EP97 | Catching Up With The Most Dominant Athlete in Sport - Marathon Talk Meets Marcel Hug | 18 Sep 2026 | 00:54:32 | |
With the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON on the horizon, we met a man who is aiming to make it Seven-In-A-Row, the most dominant athlete in the world, a man with over 40 Abbott World Marathon Majors titles to his name, the Swiss Silver Bullet, Marcel Hug. And staying with wheelchair racing, we're joined by London Marathon's Head of Disability, Michelle Weltman, who has an update for us on how the season has gone as competition steps up with 3 races to go. On this episode of Marathon Talk:
Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Marcel Hug | Instagram
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| EP96 | What Went Down Down Under | 04 Sep 2026 | 00:56:14 | |
This past weekend, the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS took place, and we have all the news from a big weekend of racing. There have also been some pretty seismic events in the world of long-distance running in the past fortnight, so we'll be taking a look at them too, plus we're joined by US TV personality Matt James, live from Sydney, to hear more about his marathon journey. On this episode of Marathon Talk:
Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Matt James | Instagram
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| EP95 | Getting Ready For Sydney | 21 Aug 2026 | 00:59:21 | |
As the 2026 Abbott World Marathon Majors season returns after its summer break, attention turns to the TCS Sydney Marathon. Joining us on this week's show, we welcome a legend of Australian marathon running. Lisa Weightman is an Olympian, representing Australia at the Beijing, London, Rio and Tokyo Games and has also competed at multiple World Championships and Commonwealth Games. We've also got news from the European Championships in Birmingham, and Martin & Deena share stories from their recent trip to Boulder, Colorado. All this, and more, on the latest episode of Marathon Talk. On this week's show: 00:00 - Intro Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Lisa Weightman | Instagram | |||
| EP94 | It's Time To Get Quizical! - Martin and Deena take on our mid-season quiz. | 10 Jul 2026 | 00:50:46 | |
We're getting ready to take a short break for the summer, but as is now tradition, we're joined by David Macnamara from Abbott World Marathon Majors for our mid-season quiz. Have Martin and Deena been paying attention over the last 12 months, and can they answer David's moderately difficult questions? Who will be this year's winner? Find out on the latest episode of Marathon Talk.
Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram
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| EP93 | Running Through Sand - Marathon Talk meets Paul Tonkinson | 26 Jun 2026 | 01:03:39 | |
On this week's episode of Marathon Talk, we're joined by comedian Paul Tomkinson, who is here to tell us all about this new book, Running Through Sand, an ageing runner's tale of running the Marathon Des Sables, frequently described as the toughest marathon on earth. We also have a quick roundup of everything happening in the marathon world, including big news from the TCS London Marathon. Order Running Through Sand here. On this episode of Marathon Talk:
Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Paul Tonkinson | Instagram
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| EP92 | Cape Town Is A Major! | 12 Jun 2026 | 01:00:49 | |
On this week's show, we're joined by Clark Gardner, CEO of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. This week, Cape Town became the 8th Abbott World Marathon Major. Clark is here to give us the lowdown on the event that took place last month, the process of becoming a Major and to look back on the events of October last year, when Cape Town's dream hung in the balance. Links & References:Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram | |||
| EP91 | Catching The Cheats - Marathon Talk meets Brett Clothier of the Athletics Integrity Unit | 29 May 2026 | 01:05:18 | |
On this episode of Marathon Talk, Martin and Deena have an in-depth decision with Brett Clothier, Head of the Athletics Integrity Unit. Brett and his team lead the way in ensuring marathon running is a clean sport, and we wanted to invite him on to tell us more about the work his team does and the work organisations like Abbott World Marathon Majors and World Athletes support in this ongoing battle. Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Athletics Integrity Unit | Instagram
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| EP90 | Paula Radcliffe Chasing Stars - Behind the Scenes at the World Premiere | 15 May 2026 | 01:12:02 | |
We were in attendance at the premiere of the new Paula Radcliffe film, Chasing Stars, and we were joined by the film's director Pat Odom, to hear more about its making. We close the show with a Q&A that Paula gave with British running great Steve Cram. Watch Paula Radcliffe - Chasing Stars now on YouTube. On this episode of Marathon Talk:
Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Pat Odom | Instagram | |||
| EP89 | Sabastian Sawe Smashes The World Record in London | 30 Apr 2026 | 01:06:07 | |
Only one place to start, on Sunday, Sebastian Sawe produced a performance that will be talked about until the end of time, becoming the first man to ever run a sub-2 hour Marathon in a competitive race. We have reaction and analysis from an historic day in London. On this episode of Marathon Talk:
Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Sean Ingle | Instagram | |||
| EP88 | Meeting A Boston Marathon Legend | Marathon Talk Meets Bill Rodgers | 17 Apr 2026 | 00:54:43 | |
As attention turns to Monday's Boston Marathon, we have a full preview of the race, including a look at who we think could be wearing their golden laurels on Boylston St. this Patriots' Day. And as race weekend approaches, I had the privilege to catch up with a true Boston legend. Bill Rodgers joins us to share valuable insights into the course and discuss his highly decorated career in this sport. And finally, for anyone in Boston this weekend, Elizabeth Pehota from Abbott World Marathon Majors will be joining us to share more about everything happening on race week in Beantown. All this, and more, on Marathon Talk. On this episode of Marathon Talk:
Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Elizabeth Pehota | Instagram | |||
| EP87 | Catching Up With Conner - Marathon Talk meets Conner Mantz | 03 Apr 2026 | 00:55:45 | |
We had hoped this week's episode would offer a fascinating insight into the preparation of an elite athlete as they geared up for their next race; however, fate conspired against us, and the day after we recorded it, Conner Mantz had to withdraw from the 130th Boston Marathon. He did, however, allow us to still publish this episode, and we thank him for that. Hopefully, you'll still enjoy our conversation with the US Marathon record holder and gain some insight into his mindset as he approaches his next major. Also on the show, we're joined by author Raz Rauf, who has a new book out called This Is Running: A Celebration of the World of Running, exploring the culture, history, brands, races and people behind it. All this, plus a round-up of the biggest stories in the sport on episode 87 of Marathon Talk. Order your copy of This Is Running here.
On this episode of Marathon Talk:
Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Raz Rauf | Instagram | |||
| EP86 | How To Get Into Every Major | 20 Mar 2026 | 00:49:52 | |
The question everyone wants to know: just how do I get a bib for any of the Majors? We're joined by a Majors veteran, Rob Dalto, to talk us through all the ways you can earn your place at one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Plus, we have lots of news from around the marathon world. On this episode of Marathon Talk:
Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Rob Dalto | Instagram
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| EP85 | Marathon Talk meets Allie Bailey, on how mindset is vital in endurance running. | 06 Mar 2026 | 01:11:03 | |
On this bumper edition of Marathon Talk, Martin & Deena cover all the news in the marathon world, as a new series is announced and a legend leaves us. We're first joined on the show by trailer runner, coach and author Allie Bailey to hear more about how mindset is vital in endurance running. And to wrap up the show, David Jackson, The Breathing Coach joins us to talk about how long distance runners can use breathing exercises to improve their running efficency. You can buy Allie's new book: 31 Days David's book is available to buy here: Breathe Smarter, Run Stronger. Breathwork To Transform Your Running On this episode of Marathon Talk:
Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Allie Bailey | Instagram David Jackson | Instagram | |||
| Marathon Talk Extra | Tokyo Marathon Special | 02 Mar 2026 | 00:29:48 | |
Our first Marathon Talk Extra of the new season, and on this Tokyo Special, Martin and Deena are joined by David Macnamara from Abbott World Marathon Majors, and they look back on a great day of racing, which saw Tadese Takele, Brigid Kosgei, Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner claim victory in the Japanese capital. David also gives some insight into what the race week has been like and makes a frankly embarassing attempt to speak Japanese. See if you can figure out who wrote this bit! All this, and more, on Marathon Talk Extra! | |||
| EP84 | Hall In For Tokyo! - Marathon Talk meets Sara Hall as we preview the Tokyo Marathon | 20 Feb 2026 | 00:54:06 | |
As we look ahead to the first Marathon of the new season in Tokyo, we catch up with US long-distance great Sara Hall as she prepares to return to the Japanese capital for the 3rd time. And we'll hear from Abbott World Marathon Majors' David Macnamara with a round-up of things happening during race week. On this episode of Marathon Talk:
Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Sara Hall | Instagram
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| EP83 | From Chelsea To Tokyo - Marathon Talk meets Spencer Matthews | 06 Feb 2026 | 01:07:20 | |
Marathon Talk is back for 2026, and what an episode we have for you to start the new season! First up, we're joined by Spencer Matthews, as he prepares to head to Japan to take on the Tokyo Marathon. Our second guests, whom you may have seen on your social media feeds over the last few weeks, Aubrey Mvula and Liz Newcomer, were judges for the recent Abbott World Marathon Majors Marathon Tours & Travel World Tour competition. They talk us through the process they used to find their winner, Leodhais MacPhearson, and we also have the chance to speak to the man himself as he prepares to run every Abbott World Marathon Major over the next two years. We're so excited be back! On this episode of Marathon Talk:
Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Spencer Matthews | Instagram | Untapped Podcast on Spotify Aubrey Mvula | Instagram Liz Newcomer | Instagram Leodhais MacPhearson | Instagram | |||
| EP82 | Marathon Talk Christmas Special | Tell Us Your Running Confessions | 19 Dec 2025 | 00:38:50 | |
It's nearly Christmas! And on this episode of Marathon Talk, we're joined by content creator, runner, comedian, and public speaker, Laura Green, for a special episode of Christmas Running Confessions. Our listeners have been anonymously submitting their Christmas confessions, so we're going to have some fun reading them! Oh, and plus a little about the recent Valencia Marathon. Special thanks to our guest, Laura Green, and you can catch Laura as she hosts The Running Game Show in Boston on April 16th 2026. Tickets are available: HERE -------------- Our show this week is brought to you by the Wahoo KICKR RUN Smart Treadmill The KICKR RUN offers the freedom and form of outdoor running at home. Its Dynamic Pacing capability means the treadmill matches your pace automatically with no controls needed, offering you a more natural running experience, and its Unmatched Connectivity means you can sync up with the Wahoo ecosystem and third-party apps, including the simulation of routes from the Wahoo App, Strava or Zwift. Perfect for the holiday season…Marathon Talk listeners can get a Free Headwind smart fan worth $319 or £229, when purchasing a KICKR RUN from wahoofitness.com, using code "RUNTALK" at checkout. On this episode of Marathon Talk:
Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Laura Green | Instagram | |||
| EP81 | AWMM AMA - Your Questions Answered | 05 Dec 2025 | 00:49:11 | |
Got a question you've always wanted to ask the team at Abbott World Marathon Majors? Well, now is your chance! We're joined this week by Abbott World Marathon Majors Cheif Operating Officer Danny Coyle, and Stew "Statman" Haynes, who are here to answer your AWMM questions. Martin and Deena also talk about their marathon highlight of the year, and we have news from last weekend's Shanghai Marathon as it bids to become an Abbott World Marathon Major. Before you press play, just to let you know our next episode will be our Christmas Special and we'll be joined by content creator, runner, comedian, and public speaker Laura Green, who will be here to absolve you of (and maybe chuckle at...) your Running Confessions. You can submit yours today via this link: https://forms.gle/AzVpqadH2Sr22xJ76 ----------- Our show this week is brought to you by the Wahoo KICKR RUN Smart Treadmill The KICKR RUN offers the freedom and form of outdoor running at home. Its Dynamic Pacing capability means the treadmill matches your pace automatically with no controls needed, offering you a more natural running experience, and its Unmatched Connectivity means you can sync up with the Wahoo ecosystem and third-party apps, including the simulation of routes from the Wahoo App, Strava or Zwift. Perfect for the holiday season…Marathon Talk listeners can get a Free Headwind smart fan worth $319 or £229, when purchasing a KICKR RUN from wahoofitness.com, using code "RUNTALK" at checkout.
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| EP80 | The 100 Marathon Man - Marathon Talk catches up with Richard Whitehead MBE | 21 Nov 2025 | 00:59:33 | |
On this episode of Marathon Talk, we're joined by British Paralympian and world record holder Richard Whitehead, following his incredible achievement of running his 100th marathon of his career at the TCS New York City Marathon. Before we speak to Richard, Martin and Deena discuss what to do now that, for most, the marathon season has come to an end. How do we keep the fitness levels where they need to be, without overdoing it? How do we stay focused, and what do we plan for to keep us excited? Finally, Deena had the chance to speak to Rob Dalto, who was representing Team Abbott in New York, and told us about this running story. On this episode of Marathon Talk:
Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Richard Whitehead | Instagram Rob Dalto | Instagram | |||
| EP79 | Has Eliud Kipchoge Completed Running? | 07 Nov 2025 | 01:03:19 | |
One of the major talking points to emerge from last weekend's TCS New York City Marathon was Eliud Kipchoge. Following the completion of his Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star journey, it felt like the end of an era for the 11-time Majors winner, 2-time Olympic Champion and former World Record holder. On this episode of Marathon Talk, we look back on Kipchoge's career—the highs and lows—and what we will do next. And one of the things he's suggested he'll be doing next is running a marathon on Antartica, so we're very fortunate to be also joined by a man who knows a thing or two about South Pole running, President of Marathon Tours & Travel, Jeff Adams joins us to tell us more about how the running tourism industry is booming now, and where he'll be taking runners to next. On this episode of Marathon Talk:
Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Marathon Tours & Travel | Instagram | |||
| Marathon Talk Extra | The Closest Finish We've Ever Seen : TCS New York Marathon Special | 03 Nov 2025 | 00:30:02 | |
We're back for another Marathon Talk Extra, for the TCS New York City Marathon. Martin and Deena are joined by David Macnamara from Abbott World Marathon Majors, who is on the ground in Central Park with all the news from race day. We analiyse an epic battle between Benson Kipruto and Alex Mutiso, we recognise Hellen Obiri's excellence in New York and we wrap up the season for the wheelchair event. | |||
| EP78 | Welcome To New York! | Marathon Talk Meets Ted Metellus | 24 Oct 2025 | 01:13:50 | |
Ahead of the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, Deena catches up with race director Ted Metellus to hear more about how they prepare for the final Major of the year. We have an update from Cape Town after their race was cancelled on Sunday, and what that means for their bid to become an Abbott World Marathon Major. Also, we hear the marathon story of a Team Abbott member, and finally, Dave is here with a round-up of everything happening in New York during race week. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 3:46 - Martin and Deena are joined by Abbott World Marathon Majors COO Danny Coyle for an update on the events surrounding last weekend's Sanlam Cape Town Marathon. 25:20 - Welcome to Marathon Talk, race director for the TCS New York City Marathon, Ted Metellus. 57:15 - Community Notes: We meet Treena Mitchell, from Team Abbott and hear about her run story. 1:04:51 - AbbottWMM Social Media Manager, David Macnamara is here to give us the lowdown on all the events that are taking place over the course of the next week in New York. Links & references Cape Town Marathon Timeline of EventsTickets for our Six Star Finisher Medal Monday Event First Timers: A Night Of Storytelling In Celebration Of The New York City Marathon Strava/Runna Race Hub, 1865 Broadway, New York, NY 10023 Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Ted Metellus | Instagram
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| Marathon Talk Extra | Is Kiplimo Marathon Running's New Star? : Bank of America Chicago Marathon Special | 13 Oct 2025 | 00:25:43 | |
Welcome to the first episode of Marathon Talk Extra, your regular post-ride guide to every Abbott World Marathon Major weekend, and much more.
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| EP77: Phily Heads To The Windy City | Marathon Talk Meets Phily Bowden | 03 Oct 2025 | 01:08:21 | |
On this week's bumper episode of Marathon Talk, we look back on a punishing day in Berlin as Sabastion Sawe and Rosemary Wanjiru won the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. We also have news of a PB time for Sted Sarandos, your new favourite celebrity marathon runner. Our first guest on the show is Team GB athlete Phily Bowden, who is preparing for next week's Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and offered us real insight into her training plan and how she prepares for a Major event. And to close the show, we are so pleased to be joined by Abbott Senior Vice President of Global Marketing and External Affairs Melissa Brotz to talk to us about Team Abbott, 10 years of the Abbott and World Marathon Majors partnership, and much more.
In this episode of Marathon Talk: 5:32 - Martin and Deena talk about the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. 10:22 - Sted Sarandos is the man everyone wanted to see in Berlin. But just who is this mysterious sub-3:00 marathoner? 12:37 - We preview the Bank of America Chicago Marathon 15:23 - We meet Phily Bowden and hear about her preparation for next week's Bank of America Chicago Marathon 39:50 - Melissa Brotz, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing and External Affairs at Abbott, joins us to talk all about a partnership that is now about to enter its 11th year. Links & referencesAbbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ https://www.tiktok.com/@marathontalk Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/ Phily Bowden https://www.instagram.com/philybowden/ https://www.youtube.com/@philybowden
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| EP76: The Closest Finish We've Ever Seen! | Tokyo World Championships Report | 19 Sep 2025 | 00:43:15 | |
As we catch our breath after a phenomenal weekend of marathon running at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Deena has all the news from the National Stadium. Then, ahead of this weekend's BMW Berlin Marathon, Martin catches up with a Berlin-based running influencer, coach, and community builder who has become a familiar face in the city's thriving fitness scene, Aaron McCammon joins us to tell us all about the running scene in Berlin, how to make the most of your time in Germany if you are there for the race and much more. Links & references Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ https://www.tiktok.com/@marathontalk Martin Yelling Deena Kastor Aaron McCammon https://www.instagram.com/callme.air.ron/
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| EP75: Sydney Shines On Its Majors Debut | 05 Sep 2025 | 00:41:52 | |
The TCS Sydney Marathon took place this past weekend, and we have all the news from a momentous day in marathon running as Sydney arrived as an Abbott World Marathon Major! Joining Martin on this week's show, we have Abbott World Marathon Majors Chief Operating Officer Danny Coyle, who was on the ground, in the shadow of the Opera House, to give us his thoughts on both the race day, the city, and also the performances of Sifan Hassan, Eliud Kiphcoge, and the winner of the men's elite race, Hailemaryam Kiros. We're also joined by Simon Bolton, who is now a Seven Star athlete, who will give us his participants perspective of the race and we're also very pleased to welcome Michelle Weltman MBE, head of disability at London Marathon Events, who also joins us from Sydney, to talk to us about wheelchair racing, her thoughts on Sydney, the current series championship and some wider commentary on where wheelchair racing can go in the future. We've got a jam-packed show for you, and we hope you enjoy it. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Martin and Danny discuss the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon. 15:48 - Simon Bolton joins us to give the runners' perspective of the race, fresh from collecting his Seventh Abbott World Marathon Majors star. 22:44 - Michelle Weltman MBE is our guest as we get an update on the current state of play in the wheelchair championship, along with much more insight about the sport as it looks to grow alongside the new Major races. 41:06 - A small preview of what we have lined up for our next show, where Deena will hopefully join us from Tokyo at the World Athletics Championships. Links & referencesAbbott World Marathon Majors https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ https://www.tiktok.com/@marathontalk Martin Yelling Michelle Weltman
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| EP74: TCS Sydney Marathon Special Preview | 22 Aug 2025 | 00:46:06 | |
Our first episode back after our summer break, and we have a TCS Sydney Marathon Special! On this show, we'll have a preview of the elite field for the race and hear from Deena as she prepares for her first run in Australia in 20 years. We have a quick check-in with race director Wayne Larden, as Sydney prepares to welcome the Majors, and we're joined by UK based runner Simon Bolton who is heading to Sydney to collect his seventh AbbbottWMM finish. Our main guest is James Constantine, who is here to talk to us about all things running in Sydney, how the city and its runners are looking forward to the race, things to experience in the city, and for Deena, as she stays on a little longer in Australia, a few suggestions for things to do while she's Down Under. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - We're back after our break with a TCS Sydney Marathon Special Preview 10:20 - TCS Sydney Marathon Race Director Wayne Larden joins us to give a quick update on how Sydney is prepared for the big race on August 31st 20:40 - As runners from around the world head to Sydney, we speak to local runner James Constantine to give us a background on running culture in the city, what the race means to the local community and he shares a few tips on the things to do in Sydney that visitors don't want to miss. 37:21 - In our Community Notes section, we hear from Simon Bolton as one of more than 3,000 Six Star finishers who are heading to Sydney to collect his seventh Abbott World Marathon Majors star. 41:35 - We have an update on our Global Run Club challenge as we head into the last few weeks of the competition. Episode highlights"When I think of the names and quality of the fields put together for this race, it's really going to be interesting to see how the hills become part of the racers' strategies; have they studied the course, have they figured out which hill do they make their move on? I'm fascinated to see how the course itself plays into those moves." - 08:19 - Deena Kastor "I'd be pretty confident right now that Eliud would be really enthusiastically telling the world how beautiful Sydney is, how friendly Australians are, what a great time he has had in Sydney, and what a great race and beautiful course it is." - 16:50 - Wayne Larden "The culture has certainly changed over the last few years, running has become this cool thing, and it's absolutely been exacerbated by social media, but also the communities and the run club culture has really developed over the last few years in Sydney. It's just a great place to be in Australia if you're a runner." - 22:32 - James Constantine "I'm more excited than you can imagine! I'm really looking forward to it. Getting on a plane to head to the other side of the world, I can't wait!" - 38:10 - Simon Bolton
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| E73: Deena Kastor vs Martin Yelling: Marathon Talk's Inaugural End of the Season Quiz | 04 Jul 2025 | 00:46:41 | |
Who's the host with the most, the quiz whiz, the mastermind with the mic? There's only one way to find out… This week's very special Marathon Talk pits Martin and Deena against each other, with a trivial roundup of the running season's greatest times! We also cover all the latest from Sydney's elite field announcements, the packed ballot for the London Marathon, and Tokyo's international ambitions. In this episode of Marathon Talk:
Marathon Talk is proudly powered by Abbott World Marathon Majors, who create, build and support opportunities for all to discover the power of the marathon community. Learn more at https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/
Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/
Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/
Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/
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| E72: The Life of Steve Prefontaine with Biographer, Brendan O'Meara | 20 Jun 2025 | 01:02:07 | |
Nobody squeezed more life out of 24 years than Steve Prefontaine, one of running's greatest icons.
Fresh from penning a biography of Prefontaine, Brendan O'Meara joins us to share the impact of his legacy, and what we all stand to learn from Steve's unparalleled mindset.
Tune into Marathon Talk this week as we also get the inside track on Boston's new qualifying stipulations, and the great Martin vs Deena showdown, the outcome of which is in YOUR hands…
In this episode of Marathon Talk:
Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/ Brendan O'Meara https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-o-meara-40295333/
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| E71: What Drives the Quintessential Endurance Athlete: Marathon Talk Meets Dean Karnazes | 06 Jun 2025 | 00:55:35 | |
There's nobody on earth quite like Dean Karnazes, a man with more human-powered mileage than perhaps anyone else…
He's proof of the extreme lengths to which you can push the human body, so if you're looking at your next running challenge, his interview on Marathon Talk this week is pure gold.
Join us as we also share Deena's tips for taking on an unknown marathon course, and unveil the three lucky winners of Jamie Ramsay's book!
In this episode of Marathon Talk:
Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/ Dean Karnazes https://www.instagram.com/ultramarathon/
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| E70: 1 Man. 2 Continents. 17,000km… Behind Jamie Ramsay's Adventure Across The Americas | 23 May 2025 | 01:00:44 | |
It's 17,000 kilometres from Vancouver to Buenos Aires - anyone fancy running it…?
Jamie Ramsay covered the two continents in 367 gruelling days, and joins us on Marathon Talk this week to detail his masterclass in resilience, pushing boundaries, and what he learned about himself!
Tune in this week as we also pore through the finalised stats from THAT brutally blistering London Marathon, and talk about how you can best prepare for the heat on your next summer run…
In this episode of Marathon Talk:
Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/ Jamie Ramsay
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| E69: "London Restored My Faith in Humanity" - Enter Shikari's Rou Reynolds on His Debut Marathon | 09 May 2025 | 00:48:51 | |
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:
Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/ Rou Reynolds https://www.instagram.com/roureynolds/
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| E68: Meet The Man Responsible For The Greatest Marathon Field We've Ever Seen: Spencer Barden | 25 Apr 2025 | 00:55:38 | |
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:
Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/ Spencer Barden | |||
| E67: The Champion's Secret to Beating the Boston Marathon with 2014 Champion Meb Keflezighi | 11 Apr 2025 | 01:03:55 | |
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:
Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/ Meb Keflezighi | |||
| E66: The Ultimate Guide to Marathon Nutrition with Six Star Finisher & Nutritionist, Meghann Featherstun | 28 Mar 2025 | 00:51:51 | |
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:
Meghann Featherstun https://www.featherstonenutrition.com/ https://www.instagram.com/featherstonenutrition/ Marcel Altenburg on Crowd Control https://wmmajors.shorthandstories.com/majors-issue-9/crowd-pleaser/index.html Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/
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| E65: Adele Roberts - The Talk From Tokyo | 14 Mar 2025 | 00:43:17 | |
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:
Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/ Adele Roberts https://www.instagram.com/adeleroberts/
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| E64: Russell Winwood - The COPD Athlete | 28 Feb 2025 | 00:58:04 | |
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:
Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/ Russell Winwood Russell's Six Star Story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSDX_4UUBZY
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| E63: Raymond Braun - Endurance Athlete & Mental Health Correspondent | 14 Feb 2025 | 01:02:06 | |
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:
Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/ Raymond Braun | |||
| E62: Tim Good - Race ready | 31 Jan 2025 | 01:02:20 | |
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:
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| E61: Paula Radcliffe MBE - Former Women's World Record Holder | 17 Jan 2025 | 01:15:42 | |
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:
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/ | |||
| E60: The 7 Best Running Moments of 2024 | 27 Dec 2024 | 00:47:50 | |
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:
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/
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| E59: Tommie Runz - 6 Star Finisher in a Single Season | 13 Dec 2024 | 01:02:31 | |
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:
Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/ Tommie Runz https://www.instagram.com/tommie_runz/
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| E58: Your Questions Answered - with Abbott World Marathon Majors' Danny Coyle | 29 Nov 2024 | 00:56:36 | |
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:
Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/
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| E57: Wayne Larden - Sydney Marathon's Event Director | 15 Nov 2024 | 01:01:36 | |
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:
Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/ Wayne Larden https://www.instagram.com/waynelarden/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-larden/
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| E56: Martin & Deena LIVE at the TCS New York City Marathon | 08 Nov 2024 | 00:35:32 | |
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:
Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/
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| E55: Ron Romano - 12-time NYC Marathon Legend | 01 Nov 2024 | 00:58:58 | |
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:
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/ | |||
| E54: Carey Pinkowski - Chicago's Executive Race Director | 18 Oct 2024 | 01:02:23 | |
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:
Carey Pinkowski https://www.instagram.com/careyrunschi/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/carey-pinkowski-615b2954/ Abbott World Marathon Majors https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/
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| E53: Rob Simmelkjaer - New York Road Runners CEO | 04 Oct 2024 | 00:59:11 | |
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:
Abbott World Marathon Majors: https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ Martin Yelling: https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor: https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/ Rob Simmelkjaer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-simmelkjaer/ https://www.instagram.com/rtsimmel/
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