Marathon Talk

Dawna Stone needs no introduction, as her achievements and commitment in the running community speak for themselves. An Apprentice winner, Co-Founder of The Women’s Half Marathon series, Founder of Women’s Running Magazine, and of course CEO at Abbott World Marathon Majors, it’s a delight to host Dawna on this week’s Marathon Talk! Elsewhere, Danny Coyle steps into Martin’s co-hosting shoes as we tackle a superb showing in the Diamond League, a new World Record in the mile, Deena’s upcoming TEDx Talk, and so much more… In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Introducing interim co-host Danny with a look at the World Cup, Deena’s high school reunion, and an exciting TEDx opportunity 7:20 - Rounding up some stellar times in the Diamond League, a new World Record in the mile, and Jeannie Rice’s domination at the age group world championships 17:05 - Abbott World Marathon Majors’s CEO Dawna Stone shares her staggering career in marathon media, huge hurdles she’s overcome, and the tenets that she holds true

It takes a special talent to stay atop your field for over 15 years, but since Beijing in 2008, Madison de Rozario has continued to excel. The multiple gold medal winner & London Marathon champion is our special guest on Marathon Talk this week, bringing an uplifting demeanour matched by a determination to grow and excel. Elsewhere in the show, Martin & Deena share tales of 200 races in 200 days with 2 dogs, how you can still bag a spot in next year’s London Marathon, training tips for races next spring, and so much more! In this episode of Marathon Talk: Martin & Deena catch up on celebratory camping, Deena’s teammate’s Budapest marathon, and the power of training with & against the wind 7:15 - The fortnight’s biggest stories, from thrilling UK & US Track & Field finishes to the Tour de France’s rapid runners, two marathon-running dogs, and much more 27:20 - Madison de Rozario talks us through her dominant paralympics performances, cherishing the London Marathon, her special Bar

At the start of every marathoner’s journey is a spark, and Nora Nishi’s shines so brightly that it gives life to those around. Nora has a wise head on young shoulders, learning from the best as she recounts the joys of her first marathon, and plans for many to come… Join us on Marathon Talk as we share her story, cover the changing Kenyan World Championship lineup, a new world-best Parkrun, and much more! In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Kicking off with Martin’s heartwarming ride up Mount Ventoux & our genius idea to spice up Short Track events 9:00 - Rounding up the stunning Chicago lineup announcements, a new world-best Parkrun record, and a shoutout to fellow marathon podcaster and all around inspiration, Ali Feller 22:45 - Nora Nishi on taking advice from a phonebook of professional runners, her first marathon run in Houston, and her incredibly multi-talented aspirations Marathon Talk is proudly powered by Abbott World Marathon Majors, who create, build and support opportunities for a

Spectators of Gerda Steyn’s Comrades run were treated to 5 hours, 44 minutes and 54 seconds of pure athletic prowess, and a brand new course record… This week on Marathon Talk, as we round up some of the standout stories and blistering times from the running world, we’re fortunate to have a fascinating discussion with the South African! Tune into episode 19, as we also illustrate the art of the benchmark run, and learn why meeting your heroes isn’t always all that it’s cracked up to be. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - We get things started with a look at the art of the benchmark session, and being a parent to an athletic child 11:20 - Rounding up the latest from the stellar Comrades Marathon, remarkable course records, world-beating times, technology revolutionising the Diamond League, and much more 30:45 - A fascinating interview with Gerda Steyn, an incredible athlete whose electric performance in South Africa set a new Comrades course record 1:03:30 - We close out with a story about Arnold

87.7km separate Wayne Spies from a showstopping 11th finish at the world’s oldest and largest ultramarathon, Comrades. A 6 star finisher alongside his wife, Wayne is a shining beacon to those of us looking for the mental fortitude to conquer their running goals… He’s our special guest in this week’s Marathon Talk, where we dive into the stories of a particularly musical marathoner, the sad loss of running icon Rick Hoyt, a handcuffed marathon record attempt, and so much more! In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Opening with Deena & Martin’s recent running escapades, and some strange fox stories ranging from the heart-warming to the horrible 7:15 - News from the running world, including an icon’s sad passing, Indoor Athletics’ new name, a remarkable barefoot run for charity, a musical marathoner, and handcuffed world records 25:00 - The incredible Wayne Spies joins Deena ahead of his 11th Comrades Marathon, the South African race’s staggeringly unique challenges, and he shares the inspiring 6 st

The Running Charity’s purpose is positive and powerful, and in nobody is it more prevalent than the wonderful Victor Macauley. Victor, their Partnership Lead, joins us on Marathon Talk this week alongside CEO Alex Eagle for a dive into their life-changing work for homeless, disadvantaged and marginalised young people. Elsewhere in the episode, we’re tackling the Leeds Marathon, a new 100km World Record, and a disastrously drenched camping trip… In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Kicking off with an update on Martin & Deena’s training, and a disastrously drenched camping trip 9:45 - Rounding up some heartwarming news from the Leeds Marathon, Aleksandr Sorokin’s new 100km World Record, and the art of the ultra run 19:15 - The Running Charity’s Victor Macauley and Alex Eagle on their first London Marathon, inspiring the next generation, and running’s impact for marginalised communities Marathon Talk is proudly powered by Abbott World Marathon Majors, who create, build and support opportunities

The TCS London Marathon had it all - world records, a new course record, a sprint finish, and a remarkable new 6 Star Finisher in Anthony Butler. The visually-impaired runner completed the race alongside Jessie Rix, his partner in both running and wedlock, a story which we hear more of as they join us for this week’s Marathon Talk! Tune in to hear all about last week’s guests’ emotional race, Sifan Hassan’s wacky route to winning one of the best ever women’s fields, Marcel Hug’s wheelchair domination, and much more…   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - An introduction where we catch up on the emotional London story of last week’s guests, Sam & Chrissie 7:35 - Covering the immensely eventful London Marathon with a look at Sifan Hassan’s bizarre winning performance, Kelvin Kiptum’s course record and 45 World Records 35:00 - A heartwarming conversation of romance and racing with visually-impaired 6-Star Finisher Anthony Butler and his wife & guide, Jessie Rix   Marathon Talk is proudly powe

With a shocking Boston Marathon behind us and the formidable challenge of London just a few days out, it’s all go in the marathon world… Among the jam-packed highlights and hopeful finishers are Eliud Kipchoge’s surprise loss to Evans Chebet, and this week’s guests Sam Perkins & Chrissie Wellington taking on a stunning assisted wheelchair race in London. Join us this week as we also feature Abbott World Marathon Majors’ very own Danny Coyle LIVE from Boston to detail the aftermath of the races, including a masterclass from Susannah Scaroni in both racing, and on-track repairs… In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Kicking off with Martin & Deena’s latest runs and recovery from Paris 5:30 - A huge roundup of Boston’s standout stories, with Danny Coyle dialling in from the Boston Marathon press conference 29:00 - Sizable predictions for the London Marathon, weighing up debutants against running titans in the star-studded women’s field 36:10 - Training Talk this week touches on how to react wh

Running is truly for everyone, and there’s no greater champion for that notion than the remarkable Haroon Mota. A 6 Star Finisher, Founding Director of Active Inclusion Network, and huge advocate for running within the Muslim community, Haroon joins us on Marathon Talk to share his experiences of training through Ramadan. We’re also hot off the back of Paris, so we hear Deena’s exciting experiences and the standout stories from the race, plus a segment of training talk with some quick top tips for race day success. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - We kick off with Deena’s exhilarating Paris Marathon experience, and some tips for those of you looking to do the same next year 16:00 - Rounding up the big stories from Paris, including a sprint finish, debutant winner, and looking ahead to Eilish McColgan’s big London debut 30:00 - Training Talk this week covers 5 quick tips to see you through the big day if you’ve been training for a spring marathon 34:20 - An uplifting interview with Haroon Mota,

Everything that Regina Fleming does in running, she had lying within from the start. So ask yourself: What do you have inside of you that’s yet to be discovered?   Regina dubs herself an ‘accidental runner’ - an accident which very recently became a stunning 6 Star Finisher’s medal…   Deena chats to Regina in an inspiring interview this week on Marathon Talk, where we also talk about trusting the taper in Training Talk, final figures on the record-breaking Tokyo race, and much more!   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Opening up with Deena’s successful ‘panic training’ for Paris, and inspiring stories from the LA marathon, where she commentated 11:25 - The biggest stories we’ve yet to hear from Tokyo, including the final tally of record-breaking 6 Star Finishers, plus a scintillatingly close NYC half marathon in the wheelchair division, and possibly the most bizarre race ever devised… 21:40 - Training Talk: The Taper, how to trust in the preparations you’ve made and taper successfully to recharge

Tokyo was an exhilarating weekend of marathon racing, with a remarkable Guinness World Record to boot - never have more 6 Star Finishers been crowned in a single race! Being a part of that record is a privilege that Dr Steve Sigmund experienced, and we chat to him on Marathon Talk this week to understand his heartwarming journey to that finish line. Beyond the 3,000 new 6 Star Finishers, we cover the spectacular sprint finish, more preparation tips for your next spring marathon, national record-breaking runs, and so much more… In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Deena’s preparation (or lack thereof) for Paris and Martin’s parkrun gains 9:40 - Rounding up Tokyo’s staggering runs and sprint finishes, plus a look at Eilish McColgan’s chances in the TCS London Marathon next month 24:50 - Training Talk: we’re guiding you towards a spring marathon, looking at speed sessions in your final 6 week runup 31:00 - Deena talks to the incredible Dr Stephen Sigmund, who balanced emergency work with training, an

The final stretch of the World Athletics Cross Country Championships race in Bathurst was fraught with drama, and with the marathon route in Budapest revealed, it’s a big week in the running world. We’ve got a ram-packed episode of Marathon Talk this week with a look at the all-important long run in your marathon training, and the single fall that cost the Bathurst race.  On top of all the news and training talk, we have a fantastic interview with the incredible Alfred Scaletta who’s set to finish his 72nd marathon in Tokyo as a 6 Star Finisher, 46 years after his first Chicago. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Catching up on the previous fortnight, including a heartwarming bike ride for a friend with an unfortunate, recent diagnosis 10:20 - We bring all the news from Bathurst’s dramatic World Cross Country Championships 28:45 - Training Talk: we look at the long run, and how you can experiment with it to improve your race day 37:10 - Alfred Scaletta shares his 72 marathons’ experience, 46 yea

Mary Ngugi is not only an accomplished marathoner, but a force of nature, a catalyst for change, and an inspiration both throughout her racing and beyond.   Having launched Nala Track Club, she’s creating opportunities for young girls in Kenya with the potential to achieve similar success.   We hear from Mary on the podcast this week, as we also take a look at the stellar elite field for London, Tokyo’s record-breaking run next month, and how much race pace you’re really sacrificing by missing out on training sessions.   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Martin & Deena catch up and share their experiences with unique run plans and strength training 13:43 - Rounding up news on the recently announced elite field for April’s TCS London Marathon, and Tokyo’s Guinness World Record-breaking run next month 21:10 - Training Talk: New research on how much impact a run of consistent missed sessions can have on final race pace 29:05 - Mary Ngugi’s inspiring interview, discussing her start in distance

For anyone needing inspiration to smash a PB this year, the story of the 2022 AWMM 40-44 Age Group World Champion is one to behold.   The race was only Gary Laybourne’s fourth marathon, and he came home in a stellar 2:21:07 - it’s a privilege to hear from him on this week’s Marathon Talk, as he shares his background in triathlon, and the training that helped him fulfil his potential.   Also in episode 9, it’s time to build patient progress in February if you’re lining up an April race, we cover some record breaking news from two incredible Aussies, and mull over a shocking start to the recent Valencia 10k.   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Cold running essentials, the shocking start to Valencia’s recent 10k, two Australian women’s new records, and much more 17:20 - Training Talk, covering the lead up to a spring race with a look at how your February, March and April should be shaping up and where to focus 25:30 - A conversation with the AWMM Age Group World Champion, Gary Laybourne about his remarka

It’s a new year, and Marathon Talk is starting strong with a record-holding star whose standout performance in Chicago set the US marathon record - Emily Sisson.   This episode is PERFECT for shaking off the post-Christmas dust, as we hear from Emily how she trains to achieve her stunning results, and Martin & Deena run through how to pick a running plan that works for you!   All this, and more on Sydney’s push to secure Kipchoge for their 2024 race, a beloved Boston canine spectator, and the close of the Age Group World Rankings.   In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Rounding up the winter break, news on Sydney’s 2024 race, and the Spencer the Golden Retriever’s latest battle 13:30 - Training talk; how to find a training plan that works for you, whatever event you’re planning to build up to 33:00 - US record-holder Emily Sisson on owning your training plan, how to uphold good habits, her staggering Chicago run, and buildup to the Boston Half 1:02:30 - Closing out the show with some final tips on ma

You don’t need to have set personal best times this year to find a success story, and it’s those success stories that’ll help drive you to glory in 2023. The year’s end marks a wonderful time for Martin and Deena to look back over 2022, and help you use your highlights, achievements, struggles and ambitions to plan for a marvellous year ahead! In this episode of Marathon Talk: 7:30: How Deena reflected on her performances during her most successful seasons 10:45: The questions you should ask yourself to extract the most value from the past year 26:15: Projecting forward and setting your sights on success in 2023 31:20: A very special 6 Questions for a 6 Star Finisher 32:50: Highlighting the staggering number of national records set this year, and wrapping up the running year 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/

Success isn’t earned by deep pockets, but by heart, determination and mindset. Such is the winning mentality of Commonwealth gold medallist, JohnBoy Smith. Recalling his call-up for Team GB in Tokyo and some of the greatest challenges he’s overcome, JohnBoy joins us for a fascinating discussion in the latest episode of Marathon Talk. We also take a look at the fastest ever 2nd half run in Valencia, the scintillating European Cross Country race in Turin, and how Boston is set to tee up a clash of the titans between Kipchoge and Chebet. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Adverse weather running and England’s recent world cup woes 6:00 - Rounding up Valencia’s fastest ever second half, and the exhilarating European Cross Country in Turin 20:05 - Team GB’s JohnBoy Smith on winning Commonwealth Gold, finding sources of drive & inspiration, and accessibility for budding young wheelchair athletes 53:30 - 6 Q’s with a 6 Star Finisher, and preparing to reflect on 2022 Marathon Talk is proudly powered by Ab

Gina Little is a true inspiration, and a lesson in longevity, having achieved her 6 Star Finisher’s medal at 77 years young! She carries with her the true spirit of the sport, and stories of such a strong running community. We hear from Gina having completed her 602nd marathon, plus a roundup of stories including the life-saving marathoner, an intriguing sub-3:30 time set while chain smoking, and how to use cross country in your spring marathon build up. In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Deena’s recent Mammoth Turkey Trot, and the World Cup rivalry across the pond 7:30 - A roundup of a remarkable chain smoking marathoner, real life superhero saving two lives in the Monterey Half Marathon, a huge incident in Troy, and how to use cross country in your marathon prep 21:20 - The oldest 6 Star Finisher, Gina Little, on her 600+ marathons, affinity to London’s race, and the secrets to her longevity 51:10 - 6 questions for a 6 Star Finisher, and looking forward to the holidays with the 12-day Christmas Tree

The TCS New York City Marathon is not an easy run at the best of times, but this year’s race gave us some outstanding performances amid the gruelling, humid conditions. One man who’ll attest to the difficulty is this week’s podcast guest, the fantastic Ben Wickham - Director of Creative Output at Sky Sports! We hear from him about his running journey, the holistic pleasures of marathoning, and how we can tell better stories within the sport. Elsewhere, we round up the best performances from that race, a cracking fundraising debut for Ashton Kutcher, and the curious cheating tale of a tram-travelling policeman… In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Breaking down Deena’s commentating experience in NYC, and top performances from that humid race 25:30 - The most bizarre marathon cheating stories 30:15 - Ben Wickham on the holistic pleasures of marathoning, what makes NYC a gruelling route, and how we can better tell the compelling stories of marathon runners 58:00 - This week’s 6 questions for a 6 Star Finish

In any sport it’s ideal to learn from the very best, and as a two-time Marathon World Champion and three-time Abbott World Marathon Majors series winner, it’s hard to find better than Edna Kiplagat. Labelled the ‘Queen of Persistence’ by Outside Magazine, the strength of her mindset is equalled by her consistent success throughout the years. On Marathon Talk this week, we hear what drives Edna’s stunning performances, round up the recent Valencia Half Marathon and upcoming NYC Marathon, and share AWMM’s exciting initiative to support 2,000 runners on their 6 Star journey! In this episode of Marathon Talk: 0:00 - Rounding up news from Toronto, Frankfurt, and the blisteringly fast Valencia Half Marathon 23:00 - The incredible Edna Kiplagat on the preparation, motivation, consistency and persistence behind her continued success 50:00 - 6 questions with featured 6 Star Finisher Martin Cauldwell 51:10 - Closing out with a look forward to New York, and training plans to suit the winter season