Marathon Talk

EP 92 | Cape Town Is A Major! 12.06.2026 1val

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 Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram

EP91 | Catching The Cheats - Marathon Talk meets Brett Clothier of the Athletics Integrity Unit 29.05.2026 1val 5min

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 Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Athletics Integrity Unit | Instagram

EP90 | Paula Radcliffe Chasing Stars - Behind the Scenes at the World Premiere 15.05.2026 1val 12min

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: 00:00 - Intro 06:10 - Still reflecting on the 2026 TCS London Marathon 25:26 - Deena speaks with director Pat Odom, the man behind the lens of Paula Radcliffe - Chasing Stars 49:21 - Q&A from the premiere of Paula Radcliffe - Chasing Stars Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Pat Odom | Instagram

EP89 | Sabastian Sawe Smashes The World Record in London 30.04.2026 1val 6min

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: 00:00 - Intro 00:49 - We discuss the historic performance from Sabastian Sawe at the 2026 TCS London Marathon 29:13- Danny Coyle, COO at Abbott World Marathon Majors joins us to give his sights into the day from the grandstand. 39:09 - Sean Ingle offers his thoughts on what Sawe's performance means for the wider sport of marathon running. 59:46 - We have a quick look back at the 2026 Boston Marathon Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Sean Ingle | Instagram

EP88 | Meeting A Boston Marathon Legend | Marathon Talk Meets Bill Rodgers 17.04.2026 54min

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: 00:00 - Intro 01:57 - We preview the 2026 Boston Marathon 13:40- Deena meets a Boston legend, Bill Rodgers joins us on Marathon Talk 40:42 - We meet Elizabeth Pehota who will be fronting the Inside The Majors series in Boston 52:45 - Martin and Deena wrap up the show Links & References: Abbott World Marathon Majors Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Marathon Talk Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Martin Yelling | Instagram Deena Kastor | Instagram Elizabeth Pehota | Instagram

EP87 | Catching Up With Conner - Marathon Talk meets Conner Mantz 03.04.2026 55min

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

EP86 | How To Get Into Every Major 20.03.2026 49min

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

EP85 | Marathon Talk meets Allie Bailey, on how mindset is vital in endurance running. 06.03.2026 1val 11min

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

Marathon Talk Extra | Tokyo Marathon Special 02.03.2026 29min

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 20.02.2026 54min

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

EP83 | From Chelsea To Tokyo - Marathon Talk meets Spencer Matthews 06.02.2026 1val 7min

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

EP82 | Marathon Talk Christmas Special | Tell Us Your Running Confessions 19.12.2025 38min

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

EP81 | AWMM AMA - Your Questions Answered 05.12.2025 49min

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.

EP80 | The 100 Marathon Man - Marathon Talk catches up with Richard Whitehead MBE 21.11.2025 59min

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

EP79 | Has Eliud Kipchoge Completed Running? 07.11.2025 1val 3min

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

Marathon Talk Extra | The Closest Finish We've Ever Seen : TCS New York Marathon Special 03.11.2025 30min

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 24.10.2025 1val 13min

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

Marathon Talk Extra | Is Kiplimo Marathon Running's New Star? : Bank of America Chicago Marathon Special 13.10.2025 25min

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

EP77: Phily Heads To The Windy City | Marathon Talk Meets Phily Bowden 03.10.2025 1val 8min

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

EP76: The Closest Finish We've Ever Seen! | Tokyo World Championships Report 19.09.2025 43min

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