LetsRun.com's Track Talk: The Home of Running and Track and Field

🏃Marathon Done, AfterSlide On Afterslide is the only recovery slide combining compression with hot or cold therapy and fully customizable pressure zones. Founded by an orthopedic surgeon and huge LetsRun fan. Use code Letsrun26 for 5% off one pair or Letsrun26-2 for 10% off two pairs. Check out a better way to recover here(sponsor)

Andreas Almgren made history at the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, becoming the first non-African born man to win a World Marathon Major since Yuki Kawauchi's snowstorm Boston in 2018, and only the seventh in the 21st century. The Swedish 800m-convert-turned-marathoner closed in 6:01 from 40K, tied for the second-fastest close in major marathon history, and won going away in 2:06:01.

On the women's side, Sheila Chepkirui took the title in a shallow field, but the story was Jess McClain's brilliant late charge to grab second, the first American woman on the NYC Marathon podium since 2018, while 46-year-old Edna Kiplagat stunned with a fourth-place finish. American men ran historically fast times but still couldn't crack the top five, extending their major podium drought to five years.

In NCAA cross country, Jane Hedengren returned from illness to win Big 12s and lead BYU to the team title, while Colorado edged Oklahoma State on the men's side.

The episode closes with a tribute to Ciara Mageean, a bright light in the sport, the 2024 European 1500m champion from Ireland, who died at 34 after a battle with bowel cancer.

🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content:

Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

LINKS

• AfterSlide Recovery Slides
• 2026 TCS New York City Marathon Event Coverage - LetsRun.com
• Did you run NY? post here
• Ciara Mageean Memorial Thread - LetsRun Forum
• Ciara Mageean LetsRun Interview (2023)
• Ciara Mageean Reflects on Finishing Fourth in the World - Citius Mag Podcasthttps://www.letsrun.com/
• http://LetsRun.com Forum — https://www.letsrun.com/forum
• Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 AfterSlide Sponsor
• 01:34 NYC Marathon Recap and Ciara Mageean
• 05:21 Almgren's Historic NYC Marathon Win
• 12:46 Can Others Follow Almgren's Blueprint?
• 17:41 Almgren: The Wildest Story in Distance Running
• 22:00 Non-African Born Major Winners By the Numbers
• 29:36 American Men: Conner Mantz and the Podium Drought
• 36:55 Should Mantz Change Coaches?
• 41:29 Super Shoes, Fueling, and Disappearing Blow-Ups
• 44:21 NYC Marathon Women's Race
• 48:25 Assessing Jess McClain's Second Place
• 55:05 Edna Kiplagat Finishes Fourth at 46
• 57:45 Weini Kelati's Debut and Fueling Woes
• 60:00 Marathon done, afterslide on (sponsor)
• 60:47 NCAA XC: Jane Hedengren and the BYU Women
• 64:41 NCAA XC Men: Colorado Edges Oklahoma State
• 69:12 Gapes vs Hedengren: NCAA Individual Preview
• 73:17 Foreigners Taking Over NCAA Cross Country
• 78:02 Recruiting, NIL, and the Campus Requirement Debate
• 84:08 Remembering Ciara Mageean

Contact us:

Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

ABOUT THE http://LETSRUN.COM PODCAST

Since 2000, http://LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.

The show is hosted by http://LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

Running Shoes Off, AfterSlide On Afterslide is the only recovery slide combining compression with hot or cold therapy and fully customizable pressure zones. Founded by an orthopedic surgeon and huge LetsRun fan. Use code Letsrun26 for 5% off one pair or Letsrun26-2 for 10% off two pairs. Check out a better way to recover here(sponsor)

Andreas Almgren made history at the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, becoming the first non-African born man to win a World Marathon Major since Yuki Kawauchi's snowstorm Boston in 2018, and only the seventh in the 21st century. The Swedish 800m-convert-turned-marathoner closed in 6:01 from 40K, tied for the second-fastest close in major marathon history, and won going away in 2:06:01.

On the women's side, Sheila Chepkirui took the title in a shallow field, but the story was Jess McClain's brilliant late charge to grab second, the first American woman on the NYC Marathon podium since 2018, while 46-year-old Edna Kiplagat stunned with a fourth-place finish. American men ran historically fast times but still couldn't crack the top five, extending their major podium drought to five years.

In NCAA cross country, Jane Hedengren returned from illness to win Big 12s and lead BYU to the team title, while Colorado edged Oklahoma State on the men's side.

The episode closes with a tribute to Ciara Mageean, a bright light in the sport, the 2024 European 1500m champion from Ireland, who died at 34 after a battle with bowel cancer.

🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content:

Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

LINKS

• AfterSlide Recovery Slides
• 2026 TCS New York City Marathon Event Coverage - LetsRun.com
• Ciara Mageean Memorial Thread - LetsRun Forum
• Ciara Mageean LetsRun Interview (2023)
• Ciara Mageean Reflects on Finishing Fourth in the World - Citius Mag Podcasthttps://www.letsrun.com/
• http://LetsRun.com Forum — https://www.letsrun.com/forum
• Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 AfterSlide Sponsor
• 01:34 NYC Marathon Recap and Ciara Mageean
• 05:21 Almgren's Historic NYC Marathon Win
• 12:46 Can Others Follow Almgren's Blueprint?
• 17:41 Almgren: The Wildest Story in Distance Running
• 22:00 Non-African Born Major Winners By the Numbers
• 29:36 American Men: Connor Mantz and the Podium Drought
• 36:55 Should Mantz Change Coaches?
• 41:29 Super Shoes, Fueling, and Disappearing Blow-Ups
• 44:21 NYC Marathon Women's Race
• 48:25 Assessing Jess McClain's Second Place
• 55:05 Edna Kiplagat Finishes Fourth at 46
• 57:45 Wayde Kelati's Debut and Fueling Woes
• 60:59 NCAA XC: Jane Hedengren and the BYU Women
• 64:53 NCAA XC Men: Colorado Edges Oklahoma State
• 69:24 Gapes vs Hedengren: NCAA Individual Preview
• 73:29 Foreigners Taking Over NCAA Cross Country
• 78:15 Recruiting, NIL, and the Campus Requirement Debate
• 84:21 Remembering Ciara Mageean

Contact us:

Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

ABOUT THE http://LETSRUN.COM PODCAST

Since 2000, http://LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.

The show is hosted by http://LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

James Milner, the Premier League's all-time appearance record holder with 658 games, joins Jonathan Gault ahead of his marathon debut at the TCS New York City Marathon. Milner details his transition from footballer to distance runner, revealing he used AI to build his training plan and topped out at 32 kilometers in preparation.

The conversation dives into the fitness culture at Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp, including the famous lactate threshold test Milner never lost. He also opens up about a knee operation two years ago that left him unable to lift his foot for six months, an injury that makes simply finishing the marathon meaningful. Milner is running for the James Milner Foundation, which has raised over £1.3 million for causes including NSPCC and Help for Heroes.

Join the best club in running, get a super soft tshirt, a bonus podcast every week. Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

LINKS

• James Milner Foundation -Donate here
• https://www.letsrun.com
• LetsRun TCS New York City Marathon Coverage
• Better Running Shoes — betterrunningshoes.com
• LetsRun.com NYC Marathon Prediction Contest

Video of talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UrnjHEA3sU

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Intro
• 01:52 Marathon Training and Preparation
• 04:20 Race Strategy and the Knee Injury That Almost Ended It All
• 05:45 Milner's Athletics Background
• 07:37 The Fittest Players in Football
• 09:08 Inside Liverpool's Pre-Season and the Famous Lactate Test
• 11:54 Staying Fit as an Aging Footballer
• 13:15 Fueling in Football vs. Marathon Running
• 16:44 Life After Football and the NYC Marathon
• 18:12 The James Milner Foundation
• 19:31 Man City vs. Brighton Prediction
• 21:36 Outrohttps://www.letsrun.com/news/2026/10/2026-new-york-city-marathon-prediction-contest/

CONTACT

Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

ABOUT THE http://LETSRUN.COM PODCAST

Since 2000, http://LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.

The show is hosted by http://LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

New York Road Runners CEO Rob Simmelkjaer joins Jonathan Gault and Robert Johnson live from the New York City Marathon Expo to talk about his four years running the country's biggest road race organization. Simmelkjaer calls doping an "existential threat" to the sport and warns that high-profile positive tests risk turning fans and parents away from elite competition. He pushes back on the idea of a two-day NYC Marathon, saying he'd "rather have one amazing day than two pretty good days", and he talks about how far World Marathon expansion will go.

Plus, how can we convert recreational runners into fans of the pro side of the sport?

🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

• LetsRun.com NYC Marathon Coverage
• Find a better running shoe: https://www.betterrunningshoes.com/
• Final Finishers Documentary (Emmy Award-winning NYRR film)
• LetsRun.com 2026 NYC Marathon Preview Podcast Video

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Intro and Episode Preview
• 01:14 Meet Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners
• 01:57 Proudest Accomplishment:
• 03:26 Biggest Surprise
• 04:21 Would New York Ever Go to Two Days Like London?
• 05:48 Rob's Running Background and Path to the Job
• 06:38 Converting Participants Into Fans of the Pro Side
• 07:56 Do the Elites Still Matter to the Marathon?
• 09:25 Doping as an Existential Threat to the Sport
• 10:20 Are the World Marathon Majors Diluting Themselves?
• 13:21 https://www.betterrunningshoes.com/

Contact us:

Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

ABOUT THE http://LETSRUN.COM PODCAST

Since 2000, http://LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.

The show is hosted by http://LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

The running world lost a legendary coach with the passing of Frank Gagliano and we pay our respects, as Ron Spears, the first Gag's athlete who went sub 4 in the mile joins us at 66:16 to talk about Gags.

Another women's marathoning titan tested positive - Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir has been suspended for EPO. What does it mean? What do Jess McClain and Kara Goucher have to say about it.

At the Valencia Half Marathon, * American *Yaseen Abdalla ran the fastest time ever by an American 59:12, but it won't count as a US record because he hasn't yet represented the US internationally. Meanwhile, Sheila Chepkirui got the win and another Sheila Chepkirui is running New York.

🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content:, Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

LINKS

• Another Titan Falls: What Olympic Champion Peres Jepchirchir's EPO Ban Means for the Sport
• WTW: An American Beat the US Half Record, a Spaniard Beat the European Record, and Neither Counted
• Yaseen Abdalla Instagram Video
• Yaseen Abdalla Profile: The Art of Carrying On
• LetsRun Instagram Post — Kara Goucher and Jess McClain Reactions
• RIP Frank Gagliano — LetsRun Forum Thread
• A Legend's Last Trials — Liam Boylan-Pett on Frank Gagliano (Runner's World)

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:24 Remembering Frank Gagliano
• 08:36 Peres Jepchirchir Suspended for EPO
• 13:39 Nike Oregon Project and Doping Responsibility
• 23:04 Testing Timelines and the Jepchirchir Sample
• 31:29 Valencia Half Marathon Recap: Yaseen Abdalla run faster than any American ever
• 34:49 Two Sheila Chepkiruis and the Women's Race
• 43:02 Nationality Rules and the US Half Marathon Record
• 49:57 How Soft Is the US Half Marathon Record?
• 54:30 Abdalla's Treadmill Training Revolution
• 58:27 New York City Marathon Preview
• 66:16 Ron Spears on the Legend of Frank Gagliano
• 78:42 Gagliano's Best Recruiting Story
• 85:24 How an Ex-Quarterback Learned to Coach Distance

CONTACT

Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

ABOUT THE http://LETSRUN.COM PODCAST

Since 2000, http://LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.

The show is hosted by http://LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

🏃 Get the http://LetsRun.com 1:59:40 Marathon T-Shirt for 50% off! Visit shop.letsrun.comand enter code Kipchoge at checkout. Super soft, in the colors of the Kenyan flag.

Summary:

Have adidas' new super shoes changed the game? adidas owns eight of the 10 fastest men's marathon performances and the top three women's times in 2026. Plus veterans like Lelisa Desisa and Tamirat Tola are running career PBs in their 30s.

In NCAA cross country, short-handed #2 BYU upset top-ranked NC State at Pre-Nats while a judge granted letting Taylor Rohatinsky compete, spotlighting a rapidly changing landscape with expanded scholarships, foreign athletes, and a new five-for-five eligibility rule.

Olympic 800m champion Athing Mu is pregnant. Will she return for the 2028 LA Olympics?

What was the World Athletics' Moment of the Year: Sebastian Sawe's historic 1:59:30 marathon or Josh Kerr's 3:42.66 mile world record? Who was the Athlete of the Year: Masai Russell vs. Audrey Werro? and what about USATF athletes of year?

🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribeUse code GOAT50 to save 50% off your first year. Money back guarantee.

Links

• LetsRun 1:59:40 Marathon T-Shirt — Use code Kipchoge for 50% off
• LetsRun Supporters Club — Use code GOAT50 for 50% off your first year
• The Week That Was (http://LetsRun.com weekly recap column)
• Q\&A with Colorado coach Sean Carlson (Supporters Club exclusive)
• Brighton goal from midfield

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Sponsor / Intro & Episode Preview
• 04:14 The Sub-2:04 Marathon Boom
• 08:02 Adidas Dominance & Veterans Running PBs
• 13:25 2016 Olympic Marathon Doping Controversy
• 18:11 Super Shoes, Doping & Marathon Fairness
• 23:54 NCAA Cross Country: Pre-Nats & Eligibility Fight
• 29:59 The New NCAA: Five Years & Foreign Athletes
• 33:26 College Coaching & the Carlson Interview
• 38:50 Athing Mu's Pregnancy & Comeback Odds
• 44:13 Will Athing Mu Make the 2028 Olympic Team?
• 51:31 Coaching Athing Mu & the Dallas Running Community
• 53:51 World Athletics Moment of the Year Nominees
• 57:31 Sawe vs. Kerr: The Moment of the Year Debate
• 62:29 Athlete of the Year: Kerr vs. Dos Santos
• 66:12 World Athletics Voting Flaws & USATF Awards
• 71:59 World Athlete of the Year: Russell vs. Werro
• 76:41 USATF Road/Trail Awards & Wrap-Up

Contact us:

Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

Since 2000, http://LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.

The show is hosted by http://LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

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EPISODE SUMMARY

The 2026 Chicago Marathon delivered blockbuster storylines. Vinny Mauri was on American record pace in just his second marathon, nearly 2:03 pace before hamstring cramps slowed him to 2:06:45 and 10th place. Clayton Young, running on a torn hamstring, finished as top American in 2:05:23 — the second-fastest US time ever. Amos Kipruto won the men's race in 2:01 as Jacob Kiplimo faltered, and Hawi Feysa repeated as women's champion in 2:13:33. Galen Rupp ran 2:06:55 at age 40, while Adidas's new super shoe dominated once again, sweeping all six major marathon titles this fall. The crew also breaks down the Nuttycombe Invitational and the escalating debate over foreign runners dominating NCAA cross country.

SUPPORTERS CLUB MESSAGE

🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content:

Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

LINKS

• Robert Johnson's Week That Was: Chicago Marathon Winners and Losers
• Jonathan Gault's Chicago Marathon Men's Race Recap
• 25 Years Ago, I "Paced" Catherine Ndereba to a World Record in Chicago - Until She Broke Me - LetsRun.com
• Mario Garcia Romo Leaves OAC (LetsRun Forum)
• Congratulations NCAA Coaches, You Killed the Sport (LetsRun Forum)
• I'd Rather Have Vinny's Race Than Clayton's (LetsRun Forum)
• Patrick McEnroe Tweet on Foreign Players in NCAA Tennis
• https://betterrunningshoes.com/
• VKTRY Carbon Fiber Insoles — 90-Day Risk-Free Trial
• LetsRun.com Forum
• LetsRun.com Forum: College Running

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Chicago Marathon Recap & Intro
• 02:22 Vinny Mauri's Bold Run & Training Method
• 09:44 America's Best Marathoner: Mauri, Hicks or Young?
• 16:33 Adidas Super Shoes & Amos Kipruto
• 21:33 Gemedu Dedefo's Dominant Training Group
• 24:03 Hawi Feysa Wins Chicago Again
• 27:53 Mauri's 15K Gamble & Pacing Debate
• 34:44 Robert's Ndereba Pacing Story
• 40:51 Mauri's Fearlessness & The US Marathon Gap
• 46:32 Can Americans Compete in Fast Marathons?
• 50:02 Galen Rupp Runs 2:06 at Age 40
• 52:14 Rupp's Olympic Trials Outlook
• 54:44 CJ Albertson & Shoe Technology
• 59:35 Adidas vs Nike: The Shoe War
• 65:40 Emma Grace Hurley & Broadcast Criticism
• 71:23 Fixing Marathon Broadcasts
• 78:13 Nuttycombe Invitational & NCAA Foreign Runners
• 82:53 The Foreign Runner Debate
• 88:24 NIL, Pro Contracts & Eligibility Rules
• 93:49 Transfers, Age Limits & Education
• 96:57 Mario Garcia Romo's Journey Home
• 101:37 Defending Dathan Ritzenhein
• 105:58 Patrick Cullen's Chicago Attempt & Wrap-Up
• 111:35 Let's Run Blazers & Sign-Off

CONTACT

Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

ABOUT THE http://LETSRUN.COM PODCAST

Since 2000, http://LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.

The show is hosted by http://LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

The 2026 Chicago Marathon is stacked with storylines. On the men's side, Vinny Mauri, a former shoe store employee who ran 2:05 alone at Toledo, has gone viral for jaw-dropping treadmill workouts at Planet Fitness, fueling American record hopes. Rojo sparks heated debate by arguing the US has zero legitimate marathon title contenders despite record depth. The women's field is historically loaded with 12 sub-2:20 runners, led by former world record holder Brigid Kosgei and two-time Boston winner Sharon Lokedi, who's running her first flat marathon. The crew also breaks down Jacob Kiplimo's chances, weather concerns that could derail fast times, and whether super shoes benefit women more than men.

🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content. Join the Supporters Club: https://www.letsrun.com/subscribehttps://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

🏃 http://BetterRunningShoes.com. Find the best super shoes, great deals, and review the shoes you're running in. Check out https://betterrunningshoes.com/ for deals like the Alphafly 3 for $200 ($95 off) and the Puma Mag Max Nitro for $100.

LINKS

• How Fast Can Strava Legend Vinny Mauri Run at the Chicago Marathon? (LetsRun.com)
• https://betterrunningshoes.com/
• LetsRun.com Supporters Club
• LetsRun.com Homepage
• Fast Women by Alison Wade (Substack)
• Message Board Thread: Women's vs Men's Marathon World Record Gap
• LetsRun.com YouTube Channel

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Chicago Marathon Week
• 02:26 Chicago Storylines and Favorites
• 05:59 Women's Race Preview
• 09:28 Weather and Race Conditions
• 14:49 Emma Grace Hurley's Marathon Debut
• 18:50 Rojo's Hot Take on US Marathoners
• 24:31 American Marathon Depth Debate
• 31:40 Olympic Marathon History and US Prospects
• 36:13 John Kellogg Analyzes Mauri's Training
• 41:30 Mauri's Training: Can It Translate?
• 44:00 The American Record Quest
• 49:53 Kiplimo and the Elite Men's Field
• 54:00 Women's World Record and Super Shoes
• 59:20 Looking Ahead to Chicago Weekend

CONTACT

Contact us:

Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

ABOUT THE http://LETSRUN.COM PODCAST

Since 2000, http://LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.

The show is hosted by http://LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

Tigst Assefa was on world record pace at the Berlin Marathon before an Achilles injury derailed her final two kilometers. She still limped home in 2:11:04, the third-fastest women's marathon ever, and underwent surgery within hours.

Would Assefa broken Ruth Chepngetich's drug-tainted 2:09:56 world record? Is the new Adidas shoe the new "mechanical doping"?

In the NCAA, New Mexico upset number-one Oklahoma State at the Cowboy Jamboree behind 27-year-old freshman Pasanjo Kitonga while BYU's Jane Hedengren suffered a rare defeat. Is is a sophomore slump?

Josh Kerr released footage of a 2:12.66 1,000-meter time trial that would rank fifth all-time, fueling further argument about whether this was the greatest mile season in history.

🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

LINKS

• LetsRun.com Week That Was
• Josh Kerr 1,000m Time Trial (YouTube)
• Blueberry Study — International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism
• Mile WR vs Marathon WR
• LetsRun.com Forum — letsrun.com/forum

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Intro and Episode Preview
• 03:22 Berlin Marathon: Assefa's Heartbreaking World Record Attempt
• 10:26 Is the Women's Marathon World Record Legitimate?
• 13:23 Could Assefa Have Run 2:09 Clean?
• 19:09 The Adidas Super Shoe Advantage
• 19:58 Berlin Men's Race: Guye Adola Wins at 35
• 23:13 Berlin Pacing Strategy Debate
• 25:21 Selemon Barega's Marathon Future vs. Cheptegei
• 32:52 Are Adidas Shoes the New Mechanical Doping?
• 34:08 NCAA Cross Country: New Mexico Upsets Oklahoma State
• 36:54 International Runners and the NCAA Debate
• 39:08 Jane Hedengren Loses at Cowboy Jamboree
• 47:21 Is Jane Hedengren's Sophomore Slump Real?
• 51:42 Doping, Paula Radcliffe, and the 2:15 Debate
• 54:41 I Think Jane, in Terms of Racing, Should Learn to Relax
• 55:14 Mile vs. Marathon: Which World Record Is Better?
• 60:07 Josh Kerr's 1,000-Meter Time Trial Breakdown
• 63:40 Can Josh Kerr Run 1:42 for 800 Meters?
• 69:07 El Guerrouj Never Ran the 800 and Other Mysteries
• 75:27 Kerr's Brooks Deal, Blueberry Doping, and Podcast Tangents
• 79:30 Thailand's Sprint Sensation and Asian Games Language Drama
• 82:47 America's Sports Silo Problem
• 86:42 Fix the Marathon Broadcast and Closing Thoughts

Contact us:

Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

ABOUT THE http://LETSRUN.COM PODCAST

Since 2000, http://LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.

The show is hosted by http://LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

Emma Grace Hurley joins the podcast after the race of her life: a 66:23 half marathon PB at the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, good for fifth place and a historic team silver medal for the US women. She breaks down her race strategy, the chaotic Atlanta trials where she was led off course in the final mile, and why she chose the half marathon over the 5K.

With her Chicago Marathon debut just two and a half weeks away, Hurley opens up about her sub-2:20 fitness, carb fueling strategy with Never Second, and the unconventional path that took her from an unremarkable college career at Furman, where she never qualified for NCAAs in track, to becoming the #3 American half marathoner of all time.

🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content. 50% Off 1st year with code GOAT50

Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

https://www.letsrun.com/subscribeWant a better running shoe? Check out https://betterrunningshoes.com/https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

https://www.letsrun.com/subscribeTIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Welcome & Copenhagen World Half Marathon Recap
• 04:42 Chasing A Medal & Team Silver In Copenhagen
• 08:56 The Atlanta Trials Controversy & Road To Copenhagen
• 14:11 Balancing Copenhagen & Chicago Marathon Buildup
• 17:16 Time Goals & The Sub-2:20 Question
• 21:33 Marathon Training Surprises & Carb Fueling
• 28:11 From Furman To IT Job To Pro Running
• 34:04 Finding Her Niche On The Roads
• 37:00 Following Coaches To Indianapolis & ASICS Origin Story
• 42:29 Laid Off & Going Full-Time Pro
• 46:01 Consistency, Daily Routine & Sleep Habits
• 51:55 Mileage Progression & Chicago Marathon Preview

Contact us:

Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

ABOUT THE http://LETSRUN.COM PODCAST

Since 2000, http://LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.

The show is hosted by http://LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

Andreas Almgren became the first non-African man in 30 years to win the World Half Marathon Championships, running 58:06 in Copenhagen and reigniting debate over whether he can contend at the New York City Marathon. The US women earned team silver with three runners in the top 10, Emma Grace Hurley, Weini Kelati, and Jess McClain all delivering stellar performances, while the US men took bronze.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen was stunned in the men's 5K by Eritrea's 21-year-old Dawit Seare, who is now headed to NAZ Elite. The hosts dissect Vinny Mauri's jaw-dropping Strava training logs ahead of the Chicago Marathon, debate whether Athlos is sustainable after its third edition in London, and close with Niels Laros' Achilles surgery and discussion of Sam Blaskowski's racist slurs.

🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content:

Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

Links

• World Half Marathon Recap & Analysis
• Emma Grace Hurley — Atlanta Track Club Profile
• Sam Blaskowski Videos from Erin Brown
• https://www.letsrun.com/
• LetsRun.com Forum
• LetsRun.com Shop
• Athlos

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Intro & Weekend Preview
• 06:45 Weldon's 1999 World Half Marathon Adventure
• 10:36 US Women's Team Silver at World Half Marathon
• 14:56 Agnes Ngetich Dominates & American Women Race Bravely
• 19:50 USATF Selection Policy & Conner Mantz's Return
• 25:24 Vinny Mauri's Insane Strava Training
• 29:19 Andreas Almgren Stuns at World Half Marathon
• 34:10 Can Almgren Contend at the New York City Marathon?
• 37:43 The Case Against Almgren in the Marathon
• 44:29 Almgren, Rupp & the New York Marathon Field
• 49:11 Almgren vs Mantz & the Non-African Gap
• 52:37 Is the Marathon Getting Shorter? Shoes & Fueling
• 54:30 Jakob Ingebrigtsen Stunned in Copenhagen
• 60:58 Dawit Seare: World Champion Headed to NAZ Elite
• 64:00 Drew Hunter's Record & Athlos Meet Review
• 67:05 Sha'Carri Richardson's Inconsistency Mystery
• 70:18 Athlos Broadcast: Too Much Dead Time?
• 75:10 Will Athlos Survive Past LA28?
• 78:46 Athlos Viewership & Can a New Track League Work?
• 84:03 Niels Laros Surgery & Sam Blaskowski Racism Scandal
• 88:40 Blaskowski's Training Group & the Path Forward

Contact us:

Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

ABOUT THE http://LETSRUN.COM PODCAST

Since 2000, http://LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.

The show is hosted by http://LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

Werjo, Rojo & Jon break down the inaugural World Ultimate Championships in Budapest, debating whether the made-for-TV format should ever replace the traditional Worlds and whether it devalues USAs as a selection meet. The crew dives into Jakob Ingebrigtsen's dominant 5,000m and his viral mixed-zone interview, plus a debate over whether Hobbs Kessler's "bronze" actually proves anything given how tight the American trio finished.

Elsewhere: Melissa Jefferson Wooden's wind-and-altitude-adjusted 200m may be the best ever run, Josh Kerr's closing splits get the stat-nerd treatment, and Nikki Hiltz finally breaks through for a global top 3. Jess Hull takes silver behind Likina Amebaw's dominant 5,000m run.

The back half tackles the newly awarded 2029 (Nairobi) and 2031 (Munich) Worlds, sparking an argument over altitude-fueled world records, Kenya's doping record, and whether skipping Europe three Worlds in a row is a mistake. Closes with Megan Eckert's six-day world record and a very "messy" Hyrox controversy.

🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: for 50% off your first year: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

LINKS

• WTW: World Ultimates By The Numbers, Megan Eckert's 636-Mile Week, and the Grossest Finish in Hyrox History
• LetsRun.com Message Board Thread: Praise For Jonathan Gault's Jakob Ingebrigtsen Question
• Fifth Avenue Mile Recap
• 2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championships Coverage
• Matt Lawton: Kenya's Doping Record and the 2029 Worlds

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Sponsor Break And Show Preview
• 00:49 Budapest World Ultimate Championships Kickoff
• 05:04 Comparing Ultimate Championships To Grand Slam Track
• 09:58 Can The Ultimate Championships Sustain Financially
• 13:16 Should The Ultimate Championships Replace Worlds
• 16:19 Altitude And Future World Records In Nairobi
• 19:43 Debating The Event Schedule And Prelims Format
• 22:18 USAs Selection Stakes Under Threat
• 26:01 Grading The Meet's Innovations And Stats
• 30:59 Hobbs Kessler Third Place Debate
• 33:49 Ranking Algorithm Controversy And Predicted Finish Errors
• 37:26 Sprint Recap: Kenny Bednarek, Bolt And Lyles
• 44:20 Melissa Jefferson Wooden's Historic 200
• 47:05 Josh Kerr And Cam Myers Closing Splits
• 50:32 Jakob Ingebrigtsen Vs Cole Hocker Debate
• 53:53 Josh Kerr's Historic Season Recap
• 55:55 Amy Hunt Vs Josh Kerr Sports Personality Debate
• 60:06 Women's Sprints And Middle Distance Recap
• 64:01 Nikki Hiltz Breakthrough Medal
• 67:07 Jessica Hull And Likina Amebaw 5000 Recap
• 70:19 Did Americans Benefit From Weak Fields
• 71:46 Fifth Avenue Mile And Message Board Buzz
• 73:33 Jakob Ingebrigtsen's Viral Mixed Zone Interview
• 77:57 2029 And 2031 Worlds Awarded To Nairobi And Munich
• 81:59 Why Europe Is Being Skipped For Three Worlds
• 84:32 Is Kenya Ready To Host A World Championships
• 86:59 Kenya's Doping Record Under Scrutiny
• 90:32 Could Nairobi Host The Last Worlds Marathon
• 92:04 Megan Eckert Sets Six-Day Running World Record
• 93:09 Hyrox Controversy Sparks Debate
• 97:47 Wrapping Up And Contact Information
• 99:00 Emmanuel Wanyonyi's Stunning 800m Upset

CONTACT

Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

ABOUT THE http://LETSRUN.COM PODCAST

Since 2000, http://LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.

The show is hosted by http://LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

Get the full podcast by getting our Ultimates' Pass or joining the Supporters Club for a full year for 50% off Cancel anytime . Money back guarantee https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

Jakob Ingebrigtsen served notice he's still the king of the 5000, blitzing a stacked field (five Americans in the top seven) to win the first-ever World Ultimate Championship 5000m title, closing in 12.6 for his final 100m after admitting his 2025 buildup didn't have a lot of real training.

He got asked by Jon about not-pushing the pace in the 5000, and left the door open on doubling back in the 1500m and eventually chasing the 5000m world record.

Cole Hocker was 2nd, Parker Wolfe 3rd, Nico Young 5th, Grant Fisher 6th, and Graham Blanks 7th.

The men's 110m hurdles delivered the night's photo finish, with NCAA sophomore Ja'Kobe Tharp out-leaning defending world champ Cordell Tinch by a hundredth of a second to become the Ultimate champion, while Bradley Franklin's third-place finish reignited debate over why NCAA athletes can't legally collect prize money they've already earned.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Jakob Ingebrigtsen Wins World Ultimate 5000m Title
• 03:12 Supporters Club News And Rojo's Late-Night Call
• 05:30 Grilling Jakob On Tactics And The Cowardice Question
• 09:42 Henrik Reveals Jakob's Wild Comeback Training
• 13:00 Breaking Down The Race's Blistering Final Lap
• 18:16 Five Americans In The Top Seven Reshape US Depth
• 21:03 Jakob's Injury History, World Record Hopes, And Donovan Brazier Comparisons
• 24:44 Reviewing The Rest Of The American Field
• 29:48 Quick Hits: 800m Prelims And A Photo-Finish Hurdles Classic
• 35:30 NCAA Prize Money Debate And Day Two Preview
• 38:22 Jakob Ingebrigtsen Interview
• 49:04 Henrik Ingebrigtsen Interview
• 68:19 Rojo's Live 5000 Watchalong
• 80:57 Final 500m
•

81:58 Rojo's Reaction To Jakob winning

•

Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line.

Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join the http://LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

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Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend.

🏃 Join the Supporters Club for exclusive World Ultimate Championships coverage, bonus podcasts from Budapest, and more. Use code for 50% off a yearly membership ($50) with a free super soft T-shirt, or grab a one-off World Ultimates pass for $9.99. Predict the men's 5,000 winner for a free 1-off subscription. Email letsrun@letsrun.com Go to https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe.

EPISODE SUMMARY

The World Ultimate Championships kick off Thursday in Budapest, and the LetsRun crew breaks down every distance event in a rapid-fire preview. The women's 800 sparks the biggest debate: Robert Johnson is baffled by polls showing Femke Bol as the Olympic favorite over Audrey Werro, who has run the three fastest legitimate times in history. The women's 1500 is wide open after Klaudia Kazmirowska's stunning Diamond League final win, and Jessica Hull still chases her first major title.

On the men's side, Josh Kerr is the rare odds-on 1500 favorite after a dominant season, while the men's 5000 sets up a dream matchup between Parker Wolfe, Cole Hocker, and Jakob Ingebrigtsen—with Berhanu Balu controversially absent. Clayton Young announces he's targeting Conner Mantz's American marathon record at Chicago, but Vincent Mauri and Charles Hicks may have something to say about that.

🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content:

Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

LINKS

• LetsRun.com Supporters Club
• Cathal Dennehy's Women's 800 Poll on X
• Josh Kerr Exclusive Article (Wednesday on http://LetsRun.com)
• Vincent Mauri on Strava

TIMESTAMPS

• 0:00 Supporters Club https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe
• 01:10 World Ultimates Preview and Supporters Club
• 03:38 Ultimate Stars Madden Curse and Key Absences
• 06:22 Women's 800 Preview: Werro vs Bol vs Hodgkinson
• 07:05 Is Femke Bol Overrated in the 800?
• 12:41 Werro's Pacing and the Olympic Debate
• 17:47 Women's 1500 Preview: Wide Open Field
• 22:28 Women's 5000 Preview and Hailu's Double Bid
• 25:49 Men's 800 Preview: Can Anyone Beat Wanyonyi?
• 30:17 Jakob's Double and the 1500 Schedule
• 32:14 Wanyonyi's Dominance and How to Beat Him
• 36:34 Brandon Miller and Donovan Brazier's Comeback
• 39:58 Men's 1500 Preview: Josh Kerr and the Field
• 48:14 Men's 5000 Preview: Wolfe vs Hocker vs Ingebrigtsen
• 55:49 Clayton Young Targets the American Marathon Record
• 59:26 Vincent Mauri and the Chicago Marathon Dark Horses
• 63:53 Closing: Budapest Meet-Ups and Upcoming Coverage

CONTACT

Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

ABOUT THE http://LETSRUN.COM PODCAST

Since 2000, http://LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.

The show is hosted by http://LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

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EPISODE SUMMARY

Weltklasse deilvered. Two world records (Alison Dos Santos in the 400 hurdles, Masai Russell in the 100 hurdles) and American victories from Parker Wolfe and Cole Hocker heading into Diamond League Final and the World Ultimate Championships.

Will Jakob Ingebrigtsen double in the 1500 and 5000 in Budapest? What about Josh Kerr's selective-but-high-stakes race schedule, and Parker Valby ending her season as the US leader with a 14:39.

Plus, Sydney Marathon results and a stunning run from a 46-year-old and Athlos abruptly canceling its New York meet.

🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribehttps://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

LINKS

• Renato Canova's post on Femke Bol's training
• Week That Was: Littergate at UTMB, Athlos Gets Cancelled, Cam Myers Won't Stop Racing, a 46-Year-Old Runs Wild in Sydney
• Nick Willis posting about what athletes do in retirement

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Show Preview & Weekend Recap
• 02:05 Weather Talk, Cross Country & Sponsor Reads
• 06:59 Zurich Diamond League Recap
• 12:09 Jakob Ingebrigtsen's Doubling Dilemma
• 14:05 Is Josh Kerr Racing Enough?
• 19:10 Jakob's Appreciation Post & DL Final Qualifying
• 25:11 Ranking America's Top 5,000m Men
• 27:31 Parker Valby's Season Ends
• 30:26 Parker Valby's Injury-Shortened Season
• 33:34 Diamond League Entry Standards & Valby's Case
• 39:18 Assessing Parker Valby's 2026 Season
• 42:47 Femke Bol's Surprising Training Paces
• 44:35 Femke Bol's Training and Canova's Comments
• 48:57 Diamond League Final Snubs & the 2028 Calendar
• 51:50 Sydney Marathon: East Africans Lose Ground
• 56:49 World Marathon Majors Expansion Debate
• 60:10 Marathon What-Ifs & Hagos Gebrhiwet's Return
• 62:46 The 46-Year-Old Marathon Sensation
• 66:26 Athlos Cancels Its Second 2026 Meet
• 69:54 Comparing Athlos to Grand Slam Track's Finances
• 75:19 What's the Long-Term Vision for Athlos?
• 80:07 Ticket Sales, Attendance & Track's Fan Problem
• 83:11 Baltimore Orioles Shoutout & Postgame Banter
• 86:11 The MLB Wild Card Race Heats Up
• 87:58 Show Wrap-Up & What's Next

CONTACT

Contact us: Email: podcast@letsrun.com Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

ABOUT THE http://LETSRUN.COM PODCAST

Since 2000, http://LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.

The show is hosted by http://LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

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EPISODE SUMMARY

Ethan Strand won a Diamond League 1500 in Silesia, something Matthew Centrowitz, Cole Hocker, and Jessica Hull have never done. What does it mean?

World Athletics breaks its own qualification rules to engineer the Jakob Ingebrigtsen vs. Josh Kerr showdown at the World Ultimate Championships in Budapest.

Yomif Kejelcha runs 56:51 in Buenos Aires, but suspicious splits raise questions about whether the half marathon world record will be ratified. Rai Benjamin commits to a bold 400/400 hurdles double at World Ultimates, and the US men's middle distance dominance reaches historic levels.

🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

LINKS

• 10 Years After Rio: Matthew Centrowitz on Olympic Gold, Cole Hocker, Josh Kerr, the Golden Age of the 1500m
• WTW: Is Yomif Kejelcha's 56:51 World Record Legit? Collen Kebinatshipi, Marileidy Paulino Make 400m History
• Was Devon Allen Screwed? There's at Least a 99.9% Chance That He Was
• If You Lined Up Every NCAA Men's XC Champ in Their College Prime, Who Wins?
• Aletheia Run — Free 30-Day Trial
• LetsRun.com Supporters Club
• LetsRun.com Shop

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Sponsor and Intro
• 02:00 Ethan Strand Wins Diamond League 1500
• 08:41 Do Tactics Matter in Middle Distance Racing?
• 12:35 Strand's Post-Race Tactics and Silesia Breakdown
• 15:26 Is the US the Best Middle Distance Country in the World?
• 20:24 Strand's Ceiling and Upcoming Races
• 26:44 Jakob and Kerr Get Into World Ultimates
• 28:28 Should World Athletics Break Its Own Rules?
• 34:07 Rai Benjamin's Bold 400/400 Hurdles Double
• 36:42 Historic 400-Meter Seasons for Cabanatchippy and Paulino
• 42:26 Yomif Kejelcha Runs 56:51 Half Marathon
• 46:56 Could Yomif Kejelcha Be the Next Kipchoge?
• 49:02 World Marathon Majors Are Losing Their Meaning
• 50:47 Rojo Raises Concerns About Kejelcha's Splits
• 56:32 Shoe Technology and What Records Mean Now
• 59:58 Melissa Jefferson Wooden's 100m Win Streak
• 65:29 Galen Rupp's Half Marathon and Masters Record
• 67:55 Centro Running 100 Miles a Week for Fun
• 74:07 Zurich Diamond League Preview
• 76:57 Greatest NCAA XC Champion of All Time
• 80:58 Outro and Supporters Club

CONTACT

• Email: podcast@letsrun.com
• Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

ABOUT THE http://LETSRUN.COM PODCAST

Since 2000, http://LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by http://LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

🏃 The perfect product to improve your running form Aletheia Run is a wearable running sensor that analyzes your form and gives personalized correction drills. Use code LETSRUN10 for a free 30-day trial and 10% off your first year: https://www.aletheia.run/start-my-free-trial

EPISODE SUMMARY

On the 10-year anniversary of Matthew Centrowitz's iconic Olympic 1500-meter gold in Rio, the 2016 champion joins Jonathan Gault and Weldon Johnson to reflect on the race that changed American distance running.

Centro reveals why the final was so slow, breaks down the decisive inside move that won him gold, and explains why winning left him struggling for motivation.

The trio dives into Cole Hocker's unorthodox tactics, Josh Kerr's 3:42 mile, the unprecedented parity in the men's 1500, and Centro's new life—including a Chicago Marathon side bet with Evan Jager and Kyle Merber. The episode closes with an epic trivia showdown.

🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

LINKS

• Matthew Centrowitz's 2016 Olympic 1500m Final

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Rio Olympic 1500m Audio from NBC
• 01:05 Aletheia.Run Sponsor
• 02:09 Start of Podcast: The 10-Year Anniversary of Rio Gold
• 03:38 Blessing and a Curse: Life After Winning
• 09:02 How Mainstream Was the Olympic Gold?
• 14:28 Contracts and Fame in Track and Field
• 19:02 Breaking Down the Rio 1500 Final
• 21:53 The Patent Move and a 450-Meter Kick
• 25:45 Why the Race Was So Slow
• 27:07 Behind the Scenes: The Brazil Soccer Delay
• 30:37 Unprecedented Parity in the Men's 1500
• 34:28 Will Fast Championship Racing Continue?
• 39:01 Josh Kerr's 3:42 and the Depth of the Event
• 42:45 Cole Hocker's Tactics Analyzed
• 49:43 Centro's Relationship with Hocker
• 53:48 Ben Thomas's Unorthodox Training System
• 56:57 Life After Running: What Centro Is Doing Now
• 57:52 Chicago Marathon Side Bet with Jager and Merber
• 64:57 Trivia Warm-Up: Centro's Career
• 64:57 Centro's Dad and the 1976 Olympic Trials
• 68:10 From NCAA Races to Daegu Bronze
• 76:02 The Heartbreaking 2012 Olympic Fourth Place
• 77:25 General Track and Field Trivia
• 78:06 Women's 1500 Debut and Distance Firsts
• 82:11 Sub-Eight Steeple and Mo Farah's Losses
• 85:46 Centro vs. Galen Rupp at Pac-10s
• 88:13 Racing Kerr, Jakob, and the Motorcycle Story
• 94:01 Kip Keino's Olympic Legacy
• 94:58 1500 Meter Legends Lightning Round
• 99:06 Mile and 1500 Barrier Breakers
• 100:56 Final Question: First Sub-3:30 1500m

CONTACT

• Email: podcast@letsrun.com
• Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

ABOUT THE http://LETSRUN.COM PODCAST

Since 2000, http://LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running.

The show is hosted by http://LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

(Sorry we had a lot of silence in the other podcast we released. this ons is cleaned up)

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The Euros delivered big storylines: Audrey Werro beat Keely Hodgkinson again in the women's 800m, fueling debate about their futures and a possible world record, while Andreas Almgren obliterated the men's 10,000m field with a 19-second front-running masterclass. Ireland's Mark English claimed a historic first-ever men's individual Euro gold.

Stateside, Jonah Koech's doping ban details raise fresh questions about USADA's admission process, and USATF's decision to send the 2028 Olympic Trials back to Eugene for a sixth straight cycle sparks debate over fairness, and missed opportunities elsewhere in the country.

The Diamond League also returns this week: Jakob Ingebrigtsen takes on Cole Hocker in Silesia, while Brandon Miller faces Marco Arop and Emmanuel Wanyonyi in Lausanne.

🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

LINKS

• Aletheia Run running form sensor — Start your free trial
• Thread: Keely's career is over — and post of the week from Doffshat
• Jonathan Gault's "A Week That Was": Euros vs. NCAAs research
• Jonah Koech handed reduced doping ban — USADA update
• LetsRun Shop T-Shirts
• Join the Supporters Club

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 Cold Open & Sponsor: Aletheia Run
• 01:29 Show Intro: Euro And Trials Headlines
• 04:45 Werro Beats Hodgkinson In The 800
• 08:37 Fans Debate Hodgkinson's Future
• 12:40 A New Era In The Women's 800
• 15:10 Could Athing Mu Make A Comeback?
• 17:12 Mark English's Historic Euro Gold
• 20:37 Euros Versus NCAA: Which Is Harder?
• 23:09 Chaos In The Men's 1500
• 26:29 Almgren's Stunning 10000m Runaway
• 32:07 Breaking Down Almgren's Front-Running Gamble
• 36:46 The Jonah Koech Doping Case
• 38:50 Inside The Blood Passport Violation
• 40:54 Weighing Doping Punishments And Incentives
• 42:56 Comparing Doping Cases: Houlihan And Gatlin
• 45:30 2028 Olympic Trials Return To Eugene
• 48:41 Debating Eugene's Trials Monopoly
• 54:39 The Mount SAC Saga
• 56:15 Why LA Skipped The Olympic Trials
• 58:27 Trials Crowds And Ticket Economics
• 1:00:40 World Ultimates And Diamond League Ahead
• 1:01:41 Diamond League Preview: Lausanne And Silesia
• 1:07:33 Chasing World And American Records
• 1:11:25 Closing And Supporters Club Plug

Did you miss the first edition of our Training Talk video series? You are in luck as the Supporters Club embargo has ended!

In this exclusive 1-on-1 interview, http://LetsRun.com co-founder Robert Johnson sits down with Dr. Marius Bakken—13:06 5000m runner, two-time Norwegian Olympian, medical doctor, and the true mastermind behind the double threshold "Norwegian Method" training system used by Jakob Ingebrigtsen and elites worldwide.

Bakken breaks down the physiological logic behind double threshold, why the muscular system (not the heart or lungs) is the true limiting factor for distance runners, how to properly use lactate meters, super shoe technology, and why easy days MUST stay easy. If you liked interview, then you need to read the article we wrote as he answered some additional questions via email after we recorded.

📖 READ THE FULL ARTICLE & EMAIL Q\&A: 👉 https://www.letsrun.com/?p=327012 📚

GET MARIUS BAKKEN'S NEW BOOK ("The Norwegian Method Applied"): 👉 https://lasso.to/3choBS6Q1Y

Time Stamps

• 0:00 - Introduction & The Launch of LetsRun Training Talk Live
• 2:16 - Sitting in the Call Room: The Quest to Catch African Distance Runners
• 5:10 - How Marius Bakken’s Winter Base Model Inspired the Ingebrigtsens
• 7:29 - Bridging Joe Newton’s Mileage with Peter Coe’s Interval Precision
• 9:21 - Discovering How Kenyans Naturally Train at Threshold Effort
• 10:42 - The Science & Logic Behind Double Threshold Workouts
• 12:31 - Re-Framing Double Threshold: "One Long Session with a Long Break"
• 14:06 - The TRUE Limiter in Distance Running: Muscular System vs. Heart/Lungs
• 15:26 - Why Easy Days MUST Stay Easy to Protect Muscle Elasticity
• 16:20 - The Sample Training Week: Balancing Threshold Days and the "X Factor" Workout
• 17:51 - How Less is More: Maximizing Training Load at the Lowest Muscular Cost
• 20:14 - Recovery Windows: Controlling the Muscular Adaptation Phase
• 21:33 - How Beginners & Recreational Runners Can Safely Build Volume
• 23:59 - What to Do If You Miss a Threshold Workout in Your Schedule
• 24:32 - Bridging the Gap: Why Western Distance Runners Have Caught Up
• 26:34 - Marius Bakken's Historic 2002 LetsRun Forum Thread ("Kenya vs. USA")
• 28:40 - Controversial Altitude Training Experiments in Kenya & Bolivia
• 30:57 - Did Kenyans Intuitively Train Sub-Threshold Better Than Westerners?
• 33:37 - Why Marius Chooses Medical Practice Over Full-Time Coaching
• 34:17 - Will Continuous Lactate Monitors Make Distance Running "Too Perfect"?
• 36:09 - High School Days at York High School & Transitioning to High Volume
• 37:24 - The Craziest Training Experiments: 5,000m Altitude & Ketosis Weeks
• 39:28 - Why Cross-Training (Cycling/Swimming) Doesn't Replace Specific Running Movement
• 43:55 - Adapting Double Threshold & Intensity Control for High School Athletes
• 45:24 - Why Every Serious Runner Should Try a Lactate Monitor ($300 Shoe vs $300 Meter)
• 48:59 - Marius Bakken’s Current Fitness & Weekly Training Routine at Age 48
• 50:45 - The Future of Continuous Lactate & Gate Monitors
• 51:34 - Is Double Threshold Ideal for the Western Coaching Mindset?
• 54:54 - Why a Gap Still Exists Between Westerners & Africans in the Marathon and Cross Country
• 56:30 - Super Shoes: Injury Reduction, Ankle Stiffness, & Track Depth
• 59:31 - Could Bob Kennedy or Seb Coe Have Run Faster on the Norwegian Method?
• 1:01:37 - Zatopek’s Early Double-Session Repeats vs Modern Double Threshold
• 1:02:30 - Muscle Biopsies & Determining Athlete Event Specialization
• 1:03:25 - Can Jakob Ingebrigtsen Come Back Stronger From His Injuries?
• 1:04:54 - Working With Karsten Warholm’s Coach, Leif Olav Alnes
• 1:07:24 - Did Bakken See Any Doping While Training in Kenya (2000–2002)?
• 1:08:22 - Closing Thoughts & Upcoming Guest Coaching Appearance

Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line.

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The week's edition of the Track Talk podcast focses on Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s return in the European Championships 5,000 meters. We start as Rojo reacts to the 5000 final as it happened live. Jonathan Gault then joins to discuss what the result says about Jakob’s form, Jimmy Gressier’s race tactics, and whether Jakob still has the endurance and finishing kick for major 5,000-meter races later in the season. The conversation then turns to Jonah Koech’s positive test and his unusual late-career improvement, including the timing of the announcement, the gap in public explanation, and the impact on athletes who were moved down by his results. The episode closes with a recap of World Juniors in Eugene, highlighting Emmanuel Kiprono and several American standouts, while debating which junior performances are most likely to translate to senior success.

Time Stamps

• 0:00 – Jakob Returns (LIVE Euro 5000 commentary)
• 3:35 – Race Tactics Unfold
• 6:46 – Jakob Takes Control
• 8:12 – Final Lap Drama
• 10:56 – Jakob Seals Victory
• 11:55 – Post-Race Breakdown
• 14:10 – Championship Tactics Debate
• 17:21 – Jakob’s Comeback Verdict
• 18:54 – Gressier’s Race Choices
• 21:54 – Surprise Results Checked
• 22:39 – Why Jakob Wins
• 24:17 – Hocker Looms Ahead
• 25:19 – Jonah Koech Doping News
• 27:51 – Koech’s Sudden Rise
• 30:45 – Testing Questions Raised
• 33:17 – Suspicious Training Load
• 35:28 – Blood Doping Debate
• 38:11 – Hobbs Kessler Fallout
• 43:09 – World Juniors Recap
• 43:24 – Emmanuel Kiprono’s Stunning Run
• 47:49 – American Sprint Doubles
• 50:53 – Quincy Wilson versus Jayden DeLeon
• 58:25 – Claire Stegall’s Breakthrough Medal

Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line.

Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join the http://LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe

Check out the http://letsrun.com/ store. https://shop.letsrun.com/ We've got the softest running shirts in the business.

Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend.