Marathon Talk

In this week's episode, we have all the details from last weekend's Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Deena was on the ground, taking in the whole event, where we saw some incredible racing.

And I spoke with the wonderful Emma Bates, who watched from a distance but was nonetheless enthralled by the highly competitive women's racing. Emma joins us to talk about Chicago, motherhood, and much more.

On this episode of Marathon Talk:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 07:40 - Bank of America Chicago Marathon Review
• 20:04 - Deena speaks with Emma Bates
• 42:30 - Live from the finish line in Grant Park, Deena catches up with Abbott World Marathon Majors COO, Danny Coyle

Links & References:

Abbott World Marathon Majors

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Marathon Talk

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Martin Yelling | Instagram

Deena Kastor | Instagram

Emma Bates | Instagram

In this week's episode, we look at what went down at the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, as Tigst Assefa comes within seconds of an historic win, but has she sacrificed too much in pursuit of the record?

And speaking of Berlin, our guest Sam Griffiths was in the German capital this weekend. The Brecon-based runner finished a very respectable 81st place on Sunday, but the story of how he got there is truly inspirational.

We've also got a preview of next week's Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

On this episode of Marathon Talk:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 04:42 - We review the 2026 BMW BERLIN-MARATHON
• 20:03 - We meet Sam Griffiths, who ran a 2:20:26 in Berlin at the weekend, but whose story is so much more.
• 58:13 - We preview the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Links & References:

Abbott World Marathon Majors | Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Marathon Talk | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Martin Yelling | Instagram

Deena Kastor | Instagram

Sam Griffiths | Instagram

With the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON on the horizon, we met a man who is aiming to make it Seven-In-A-Row, the most dominant athlete in the world, a man with over 40 Abbott World Marathon Majors titles to his name, the Swiss Silver Bullet, Marcel Hug.

And staying with wheelchair racing, we're joined by London Marathon's Head of Disability, Michelle Weltman, who has an update for us on how the season has gone as competition steps up with 3 races to go.

On this episode of Marathon Talk:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 05:35 - Marathon Talk meets Marcel Hug
• 35:30 - Michelle Weltman from London Marathon Events joins us to give us an update on the elite wheelchair season.
• 51:30 - Preview of the 2026 BMW BERLIN-MARATHON

Links & References:

Abbott World Marathon Majors

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Marathon Talk

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Martin Yelling | Instagram

Deena Kastor | Instagram

Marcel Hug | Instagram

This past weekend, the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS took place, and we have all the news from a big weekend of racing.

There have also been some pretty seismic events in the world of long-distance running in the past fortnight, so we'll be taking a look at them too, plus we're joined by US TV personality Matt James, live from Sydney, to hear more about his marathon journey.

On this episode of Marathon Talk:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:51 - Martin and Deena talk about UTMB and more
• 05:52 - Yomif Kejelcha breaks the Half Marathon World Record in Buenos Aires
• 07:53 - Sabastian Sawe pulls out of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON
• 10:35 - A review of TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS with David Macnamara from Abbott World Marathon Majors in Sydney
• 25:48 - Marathon Talk meets Matt James
• 54:06 - Wrapping up

Links & References:

Abbott World Marathon Majors

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Marathon Talk

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Martin Yelling | Instagram

Deena Kastor | Instagram

Matt James | Instagram

As the 2026 Abbott World Marathon Majors season returns after its summer break, attention turns to the TCS Sydney Marathon.

Joining us on this week's show, we welcome a legend of Australian marathon running. Lisa Weightman is an Olympian, representing Australia at the Beijing, London, Rio and Tokyo Games and has also competed at multiple World Championships and Commonwealth Games.

We've also got news from the European Championships in Birmingham, and Martin & Deena share stories from their recent trip to Boulder, Colorado. All this, and more, on the latest episode of Marathon Talk.

On this week's show:

00:00 - Intro 00:51 - Martin and Deena tell us about what they have been up to while we've been off 09:48 - European Championships 13:58 - A recap of the Abbott World Marathon Majors series so far 17:33 - TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS race preview 23:00 - Marathon Talk meets Lisa Weightman 57:34 - Wrapping up

Links & References:

Abbott World Marathon Majors

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Marathon Talk

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Martin Yelling | Instagram

Deena Kastor | Instagram

Lisa Weightman | Instagram

We're getting ready to take a short break for the summer, but as is now tradition, we're joined by David Macnamara from Abbott World Marathon Majors for our mid-season quiz.

Have Martin and Deena been paying attention over the last 12 months, and can they answer David's moderately difficult questions?

Who will be this year's winner? Find out on the latest episode of Marathon Talk.

• 00:00 - Intro
• 08:48 - Round 1 | Tokyo
• 11:20 - Round 2 | Boston
• 15:31 - Round 3 | London
• 21:41 - Round 4 | Cape Town
• 24:33 - Round 5 | Sydney
• 29:34 - Round 6 | Berlin
• 34:25 - Round 7 | Chicago
• 40:05 - Round 8 | New York

Links & References:

Abbott World Marathon Majors

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Marathon Talk

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Martin Yelling | Instagram

Deena Kastor | Instagram

On this week's episode of Marathon Talk, we're joined by comedian Paul Tomkinson, who is here to tell us all about this new book, Running Through Sand, an ageing runner's tale of running the Marathon Des Sables, frequently described as the toughest marathon on earth.

We also have a quick roundup of everything happening in the marathon world, including big news from the TCS London Marathon.

Order Running Through Sand here.

On this episode of Marathon Talk:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 07:51 - The 2027 TCS London Marathon confirmed as a two-day event
• 15:41 - Comrades Marathon
• 18:43 - Update from the Tokyo Marathon
• 21:55 - Interview with Paul Tonkinson‍

Links & References:

Abbott World Marathon Majors

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Marathon Talk

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Martin Yelling | Instagram

Deena Kastor | Instagram

Paul Tonkinson | Instagram

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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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

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

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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.