Marathon Talk

Deena Kastor & Martin Yelling

Marathon Talk has returned in September 2022 as part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors family. We are still all about running and will bring you all the latest from the world of the Majors and more with Martin Yelling and new co-host, the great Deena Kastor. read less
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Episodes

E59: Tommie Runz - 6 Star Finisher in a Single Season
13-12-2024
E59: Tommie Runz - 6 Star Finisher in a Single Season
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 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/ Tommie Runz https://www.tommierunz.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tommie_runz/
E58: Your Questions Answered - with Abbott World Marathon Majors’ Danny Coyle
29-11-2024
E58: Your Questions Answered - with Abbott World Marathon Majors’ Danny Coyle
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… 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/
E57: Wayne Larden - Sydney Marathon’s Event Director
15-11-2024
E57: Wayne Larden - Sydney Marathon’s Event Director
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 Star in the Series 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/ Wayne Larden https://www.instagram.com/waynelarden/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-larden/
E56: Martin & Deena LIVE at the TCS New York City Marathon
08-11-2024
E56: Martin & Deena LIVE at the TCS New York City Marathon
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 push through the pain, catch up with a remarkable pregnant lady running for two, and find Episode 38’s Mark Rogerson and Katie Garrity on 5th Avenue 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/
E53: Rob Simmelkjaer - New York Road Runners CEO
04-10-2024
E53: Rob Simmelkjaer - New York Road Runners CEO
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 shares his top tips for the upcoming New York race 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/ Rob Simmelkjaer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-simmelkjaer/ https://www.instagram.com/rtsimmel/
E52: Kelly Willis - Three-Time 6 Star Finisher
20-09-2024
E52: Kelly Willis - Three-Time 6 Star Finisher
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 Marathon to share the experience, and her views on the race’s chances at becoming the coveted seventh star… 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/
E51: Cole Hocker - Olympic 1500m Champion
06-09-2024
E51: Cole Hocker - Olympic 1500m Champion
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 in the 1500m Cole Hocker is our special guest, as he takes us through THAT final 100m, the training that unlocked such a performance, and why you should choose your stresses to get the best out of yourself 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/
E49: Summer Olympic Games - Paris 2024
09-08-2024
E49: Summer Olympic Games - Paris 2024
We are right in the thick of Olympic athletics action and on the eve of the Olympic Marathon in Paris.  In this week’s episode of Marathon Talk,  Martin & Deena take a look at their favourite Olympic moments so far, including the swimming, cycling, triathlons and track races.  They review the upcoming marathon’s key contenders and the heartbreaking withdrawal of Team Great Britain’s Charlotte Purdue before shining the spotlight on our own 2004 Athens Olympic Medalist…! In this episode of Marathon Talk: 2:23 - Martin & Deena delve into the Olympic swimming, cycling and triathlon events so far including performances from GB’s Alex Yee and Beth Potter.  6:38 - Next up, we’re onto the performance of the track and field events including the 10,000m race with Uganda’s first Gold Medal, and 100m races with Noah Lyles phenomenal achievement.  22:50 - Then into the upcoming Olympic Marathon with our predictions and one’s to watch in both the men & women’s races.  30:26 - Finally we interview our very own Olympic Marathon Medalist - Deena herself! Who shares what it takes to become a medalist and provides her top tips for preparing.  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.instagram.com/wmmajors/   Martin Yelling https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/   Deena Kastor https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/
E48: Chris & Nik Nikic - The World’s First 6 Star Finisher with Down’s Syndrome
26-07-2024
E48: Chris & Nik Nikic - The World’s First 6 Star Finisher with Down’s Syndrome
March 2024 saw barriers broken at the Tokyo Marathon by a man whose dedication to being 1% better every day is utterly inspiring - Chris Nikic. The first to complete the 6 Abbott Majors as an athlete with Down’s Syndrome, his outlook on resilience, progress and motivation should rouse us all, so it’s a joy for Chris and his father Nik to join us on this episode of Marathon Talk. It’s an episode not to be missed, as we give you the rundown on everything to look out for at the Olympics in Paris! In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Deena kicks us off with a look back at her various vacation escapades, and Martin brings us into the mindset of feeling fast, without necessarily running it 9:55 - The Olympics are upon us, and we preview the big stories to watch out for, from Sifan Hassan’s packed schedule, to Team GB’s promising prospects, and of course our pick of the favourites from the marathon field - plus Deena shares just what it’s like as an elite athlete to prepare for the Olympics 31:50 - The inspirational story of Chris Nikic and his father Nik is the subject of a moving new documentary, so it’s high time to break down the remarkable mindset of a man whose resilience saw him become the first athlete with Down’s Syndrome to become a 6 Star Finisher! 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/
E47: Marcus Brown - Co-Founder of One Percent Running Club
12-07-2024
E47: Marcus Brown - Co-Founder of One Percent Running Club
Running is for everyone, and there are few flying the flag higher for that than the incredible Marcus Brown. From 4:55 finishes to Co-Founding his own running club championing diverse backgrounds in the running community, his is a voice worth amplifying as he joins us on this week’s episode of Marathon Talk! Also on the show, Martin recalls his recent triathlon triumphs, we highlight some blistering Diamond League performances, and there’s controversy around the UK’s Olympic selections… In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - At the top of the show we look back on Martin’s triathlon triumphs in Swanage last week, and Deena’s plans to get running back on the agenda 11:20 - We round up a blistering Paris Diamond League which set records, the latest from the US Olympic Trials, and controversy around the UK’s picks and omissions 22:35 - Training Talk this week is a speedy one, literally! Learn to get some speed into legs that are used to plodding, and learn why it’s so important to do speed sessions 29:50 - Marcus Brown joins us to share his journey with running, its greatest gift to him, and the inspirational work he’s doing with Co-Founding the One Percent Running Club   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.instagram.com/wmmajors/ Martin Yelling: https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor: https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/ Marcus Brown: https://www.instagram.com/marcus_runs/?hl=en One Percent Running Club: https://www.onepercentrunningclub.com/ https://www.instagram.com/p/C9C1dQxt60t/
E46: Chris Slater - Finisher at 2024’s Marathon Des Sables
28-06-2024
E46: Chris Slater - Finisher at 2024’s Marathon Des Sables
The Marathon Des Sables in the Sahara Desert is among the toughest feats any runner can achieve, and fresh from a Top 50 finish is the remarkable Chris Slater. It’s a privilege and a pleasure to speak with him on this week’s Marathon Talk - his recovery from addiction has led him on an endurance running journey from which we can’t help but be inspired. Elsewhere in the show, we put the spotlight on Russ Cook for his next adventure, track & field taking centre stage at the next Olympics, and a curious new dating-running series… In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Kicking things off, Martin and Deena round up their fortnight watching the riveting US Olympic trials, and how they’ve been exploring different running formats 12:00 - All the latest in the running world sees a new challenge for the Hardest Geezer Russ Cook, track & field taking top billing in L.A, and a new, faster way to go dating… 23:45 - Chris Slater is our incredible guest this week, with not only an inspirational story overcoming addiction, but in doing so he’s an 81 time marathon finisher and is fresh from a remarkable 250km Marathon Des Sables 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/ https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/ Martin Yelling: https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/ Deena Kastor: https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/ Chris Slater: https://www.instagram.com/chrisslaterrr/
E44: Joan Benoit Samuelson - The First Ever Women’s Olympic Champion
31-05-2024
E44: Joan Benoit Samuelson - The First Ever Women’s Olympic Champion
When LA saw the first ever Olympic women’s marathon champion, it was none other than this week’s Marathon Talk guest who crossed the line first - Joan Benoit Samuelson.   An icon in the sport and Deena’s greatest mentor, she joins us on the podcast this week to share her remarkable relationship with the sport, and the power of storytelling within it.    Elsewhere in the show, the Diamond League gives us record-breaking runs and a tantalising preview of Paris, while Training Talk is all about refinding your speed this summer!   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Martin & Deena return to share their holiday weekend escapades, riding adventures, and how Martin is ‘irritating George Clooney’ 5:15 - In the news this week, we recap the Diamond League’s biggest stories, from the new Women’s 10,000m record to the Kerr vs Ingebrigtsen tussle, and how it all points towards an unmissable Paris 2024 20:45 - Training Talk is timely as ever this week, with a look over how to redefine your legs over the summer break, and refinding your pace as a way to prepare for the marathon season ahead 27:35 - The indomitable Joan Benoit Samuelson is our very special guest as we chat to her about the camaraderie en route to becoming 1984’s Olympic Champion, Joan’s love for storytelling in the sport, and her journey to achieving her 6th Star - plus so much more! 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/
E43: Mallory Creveling - Runner’s World Deputy Editor, Health & Fitness
17-05-2024
E43: Mallory Creveling - Runner’s World Deputy Editor, Health & Fitness
What better time to exhibit the extraordinary mental benefits of running than during Mental Health Awareness Week. That’s been a huge focus for this week’s Marathon Talk guest, Runner’s World’s Mallory Creveling, who’s been working on a must-read piece of work on wellness - ‘The Runner’s World Guide to Mental Health’. Learn more on this week’s podcast, where we also share the best path to recovery from unexpected injuries, peek ahead at Bekele vs Kipchoge, and bring you some superb 6 Star Stats. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - At the top of the show we check in with Martin & Deena’s recent antics, from Deena’s L.A. trip to Martin’s camping escapades and an unfortunate injury 6:15 - In the news this week, we FINALLY get a preview on Bekele vs Kipchoge at Paris 2024, some shocking revelations about Kipchoge’s recent abuse, and we crunch the numbers on the 6 Star Statistics from the past season 19:50 - Training Talk this week hits a personal point for Martin, with the best methods for recovery if you’ve picked up an unexpected niggle 27:50 - Runner’s World Deputy Editor of Health & Fitness Mallory Creveling joins Deena to share their remarkable recent work for mental health, and Mallory’s own journey discovering the mental benefits of running 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/