Marathon Talk

By Deena Kastor & Martin Yelling

What's Marathon Talk about?

Marathon Talk has returned in 2022 as part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors family. Hosted by Martin Yelling and the great Deena Kastor, every two weeks we'll bring you news, views and some amazing guest interviews from across the world of marathons and running.

4.7

150150 ratings

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Marathon Talk episodes:

05.03.2024
E42: Anya Culling - Lockdown Runner-Turned-Elite International Athlete
What a story Anya Culling written, from humble beginnings to the elite field in a matter of years. She plans to continue her upward trajectory as her tale was one of so many stunning performances from the recent TCS London...
04.19.2024
E41: Cedric King - Award-Winning T64 Marathoner
When you overcome the voice in your head telling you to tap out, that’s where a true champion is made. Such wise words come from a man whose past does not define his future - double amputee Cedric King is...
04.05.2024
E40: Helen Thorn - Comedian, Author and Back-to-Back Marathon Runner
All that running does for wellbeing is well-documented, but Helen Thorn’s marathon journey is an uplifting reminder to us all. In the wake of a divorce, it became a central tenet to her mental health - now it’s central...
03.22.2024
E39: Andrew Kastor - Deena’s Coach & Husband
This week’s guest needs no introduction to Deena - he’s her coach, her husband, and now a Boston Marathon qualifier after an admirable performance in LA. It’s a joy to catch up with Coach Kastor fresh from his 3 hour...
03.08.2024
E38: Visually-Impaired Six Star Hopeful Mark Rogerson & his guide Katie Garrity
Marathons form very unique bonds within the running community, but when your life is in your guide’s hands it’s truly a bond like no other. That’s where Six Star hopeful Mark Rogerson’s story sheds light on the joys of running...
03.01.2024
E37: Becs Gentry: Tokyo Marathon Preview
The 2024 Abbott World Marathon Majors season has arrived! It all starts this Sunday in Tokyo with Eliud Kipchoge AND Sifan Hassan both on the start line. This episode we dive into the elite races, talk pre-race prep and...
02.23.2024
E36: Celebrating Kelvin Kiptum’s Remarkable Legacy
In 2013, Kelvin Kiptum participated in his first half marathon. 10 years and three game-changing marathons later, his was a World Record to be reckoned with. A light that shone so incredibly brightly and all too briefly, Kiptum and...
02.09.2024
E35: Dan & Becky Sharp - London Marathon Fundraising Family
Preparations for Paris 2024 are firmly in the final stages, and we finally have all the action from the US Olympic Trials from Deena Kastor herself! It’s a jam-packed episode of Marathon Talk this week, where we tackle debutant winners,...
01.26.2024
E34: Ed Eyestone - NCAA Coach & Double Olympian
Olympic years bring the toughest tests for every nation’s athletes, and the coaches who feed such elite talent - coaches like the indomitable Ed Eyestone. He coaches the only two athletes going into the US Olympic Marathon Trials who’ve...
01.12.2024
E33: Richard Whitehead MBE - 2x Paralympic and 4x World Champion
Welcome back to Marathon Talk! It’s 2024, and what better way to inspire the year ahead than a fascinating episode featuring a four time world champion - Richard Whitehead MBE. We learn more from him about his 10 year...
12.22.2023
E32: Top 10 Marathon Moments of 2023
As we run towards welcoming in the New Year, join us in this special podcast episode where hosts Martin & Deena reflect upon the Top 10 most exciting Marathon Moments of 2023. Count down a remarkable list featuring multiple world...
12.08.2023
E31: Liz Yelling - Team GB Manager & Olympian
This week’s guest on Marathon Talk is truly special; not only is she a Commonwealth Medalist, Olympian, and Team GB Manager, but Martin’s own wonderful wife! Liz’s formidable marathon and cross country experience is matched only by her philanthropic...
11.24.2023
E30: Simone Carniglia
Simone Carniglia is a remarkable runner whose records in the Abbott World Marathon Majors make him the world’s fastest 6 Star Finisher with type 1 diabetes. The Italian marathoner is our fantastic guest on this week’s podcast, in which...
11.10.2023
E29: Catherine Debrunner
After a thrilling season we’ve crowned our Abbott World Marathon Majors Series champions, and in elite women’s wheelchair racing, Catherine Debrunner reigns supreme. Her series culminated in a stunning three wins on the bounce in arguably the best year...
10.27.2023
E28: Calli Thackery
Imagine your first marathon almost breaking a national record - that’s how you break onto the scene and make a statement. Barring Paula Radcliffe’s time in London, Calli Thackery’s 2:22:11 is the UK’s best, and as she sets her sights...
10.12.2023
E27: Gene Dykes
We’ve just witnessed the fastest marathon ever run, the first under 2:01 - last week’s Chicago Marathon will go down in history. The stars aligned, and the weather played ball for not only some earth-shattering runs from Kelvin Kiptum and...
09.29.2023
E26: Keith Turner - The World’s Fastest Blind Half-Marathoner
World records are toppling in the marathon world - stand up and take a bow Tigist Assefa and Keith Turner. The new women’s record fell in a truly stunning Berlin Marathon last week, and Keith Turner’s half marathon time...
09.15.2023
E25: Wayne Larden - Sydney Marathon’s Race Director
The Wanda Age Group World Championships have never been hosted on a non-majors course before… Enter: The Sydney Marathon. As the budding race hopes to become the 7th Major, we hear from the marvellous Wayne Larden on what it’s...
08.25.2023
E24: Alexandria Williams
The 6 Star Journey is for all of us, and nobody shouts that louder than an amazing woman who recently earned the 6 Star Finisher’s medal for herself - Alexandria Williams. She joins us in an inspirational episode of...
08.11.2023
E23: Tom Williams - parkrun COO and Marathon Talk Co-Founder
Long-time Marathon Talk listeners will be treated to a familiar voice this week, in the majestic return of former Co-Host: the wonderful Tom Williams! Tom joins Deena to guest host an episode packed with news of Chicago’s lineup announcements, the...
07.28.2023
E22: Dawna Stone - AbbottWMM CEO
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...
07.14.2023
E21: Madison de Rozario
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...
06.30.2023
E20: Nora Nishi
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...
06.16.2023
E19: Gerda Steyn
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...
06.02.2023
E18: Wayne Spies
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...
05.19.2023
E17: Alex Eagle & Victor Macauley from The Running Charity
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...
05.05.2023
E16: Anthony Butler & Jessie Rix
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...
04.21.2023
E15: Chrissie Wellington, 4-time Ironman World Champion, and Sam Perkins, Stand Against MND’s Founder
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,...
04.06.2023
E14: Haroon Mota - A 6 Star Champion for Underrepresented Runners
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...
03.24.2023
E13: Regina Fleming - Marathon Queen and 6 Star Finisher in Tokyo
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...
03.10.2023
E12: Dr Steve Sigmund - Guinness World Record Setter and ER Hospitalist
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...
02.24.2023
E11: Alfred Scaletta - The 6 Star Finisher 46 Years in the Making
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...
02.10.2023
E10: Mary Ngugi, Marathoner and Founder of Nala Track Club
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...
01.27.2023
E9: Gary Laybourne, AWMM Age Group World Champion
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...
01.13.2023
E8: Emily Sisson, US Marathon Record-Holder and Olympian
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...
12.30.2022
E7: Preparing for Running Success in 2023
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...
12.16.2022
E6: JohnBoy Smith, Commonwealth Gold Medal-Winning Paralympian
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...
12.02.2022
E5: Gina Little, The World’s Oldest Female 6 Star Finisher
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....
11.18.2022
E4: Ben Wickham, Sky Sports’ Director of Creative Output
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...
11.04.2022
E3: Edna Kiplagat, Two-Time Marathon World Champion
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...
10.21.2022
E2: Chicago’s Blistering Races, Marcel Hug’s Domination, and Chicago Winner Susannah Scaroni on the Evolution of Wheelchair Racing
We’ve seen the back of a triple header that’s one of the busiest marathon seasons for a mighty long time, and there’s plenty of superlative performances to pick out. Ruth Chepng’etich ran the 2nd fastest time in women’s marathon history...
10.07.2022
E1: Kipchoge’s New WR, Standouts from Back-to-Back Races, and Race Director Hugh Brasher on London Marathon’s Highlights
Berlin brought us a monumental new World Record from Kipchoge, and London saw some absolute standout performances, and if you missed any of it then Martin & Deena have you covered this week! We’re also lucky enough to speak...
09.23.2022
E0: The Warm Up - Marathon Talk's Return, the BMW Berlin Marathon, and becoming a Six Star Finisher
Marathon Talk is BACK, but not as you know it… Martin Yelling returns to the mic with brand-new co-host Deena Kastor for Marathon Talk 2.0, powered by the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Martin & Deena - a marathon legend, Olympic...
09.12.2022
Watch this space...
https://worldmarathonmajors.webflow.io/marathontalk
09.09.2022
Watch this space...
https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com/
01.19.2022
Episode 600 - Dave Bedford
Join us one last time as we discuss the latest news in running (and life!) and interview legend of running and the London Marathon, Dave Bedford. We catch up with Tom as we look back over 12 years of Marathon...
01.05.2022
Episode 599 - Steve Way
Holly catches up with running legend Steve Way to talk about his career and future plans. Both the male and female 5k World Records are broken in Barcelona, there's a new Winter Wainwrights record, Martin speaks to Nina from new...
12.23.2021
Episode 598 - Gary House
Holly speaks to coach, ultra runner, and podcaster, Gary House, Martin's been swimming in the sea in the dark, and Tom's back in the room.
12.08.2021
Episode 597 - Kevin Dutton & Steve Ingham
Fantastic running from Fionnuala McCormack at the Valencia marathon, we take a look at the British Athletics Cross Challenge results, Martin speaks to Kevin Dutton & Steve Ingham about their metro marathon challenge and this week's Training Talk is how...
11.24.2021
Episode 596 - Mike Sheridan
Throughout November the show is sponsored by Runderwear, a small brand in Dorset, who make seamless, moisture-wicking, technical performance underwear to prevent chafing. Plus, Martin speaks to V70 British marathon record holder Mike Sheridan, there's a new men’s half marathon...

What's Marathon Talk about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Marathon Talk episodes:

E42: Anya Culling - Lockdown Runner-Turned-Elite International Athlete

E41: Cedric King - Award-Winning T64 Marathoner

E40: Helen Thorn - Comedian, Author and Back-to-Back Marathon Runner

E39: Andrew Kastor - Deena’s Coach & Husband

E38: Visually-Impaired Six Star Hopeful Mark Rogerson & his guide Katie Garrity

E37: Becs Gentry: Tokyo Marathon Preview

E36: Celebrating Kelvin Kiptum’s Remarkable Legacy

E35: Dan & Becky Sharp - London Marathon Fundraising Family

E34: Ed Eyestone - NCAA Coach & Double Olympian

E33: Richard Whitehead MBE - 2x Paralympic and 4x World Champion

E32: Top 10 Marathon Moments of 2023

E31: Liz Yelling - Team GB Manager & Olympian

E30: Simone Carniglia

E29: Catherine Debrunner

E28: Calli Thackery

E27: Gene Dykes

E26: Keith Turner - The World’s Fastest Blind Half-Marathoner

E25: Wayne Larden - Sydney Marathon’s Race Director

E24: Alexandria Williams

E23: Tom Williams - parkrun COO and Marathon Talk Co-Founder

E22: Dawna Stone - AbbottWMM CEO

E21: Madison de Rozario

E20: Nora Nishi

E19: Gerda Steyn

E18: Wayne Spies

E17: Alex Eagle & Victor Macauley from The Running Charity

E16: Anthony Butler & Jessie Rix

E15: Chrissie Wellington, 4-time Ironman World Champion, and Sam Perkins, Stand Against MND’s Founder

E14: Haroon Mota - A 6 Star Champion for Underrepresented Runners

E13: Regina Fleming - Marathon Queen and 6 Star Finisher in Tokyo

E12: Dr Steve Sigmund - Guinness World Record Setter and ER Hospitalist

E11: Alfred Scaletta - The 6 Star Finisher 46 Years in the Making

E10: Mary Ngugi, Marathoner and Founder of Nala Track Club

E9: Gary Laybourne, AWMM Age Group World Champion

E8: Emily Sisson, US Marathon Record-Holder and Olympian

E7: Preparing for Running Success in 2023

E6: JohnBoy Smith, Commonwealth Gold Medal-Winning Paralympian

E5: Gina Little, The World’s Oldest Female 6 Star Finisher

E4: Ben Wickham, Sky Sports’ Director of Creative Output

E3: Edna Kiplagat, Two-Time Marathon World Champion

E2: Chicago’s Blistering Races, Marcel Hug’s Domination, and Chicago Winner Susannah Scaroni on the Evolution of Wheelchair Racing

E1: Kipchoge’s New WR, Standouts from Back-to-Back Races, and Race Director Hugh Brasher on London Marathon’s Highlights

E0: The Warm Up - Marathon Talk's Return, the BMW Berlin Marathon, and becoming a Six Star Finisher

Watch this space...

Watch this space...

Episode 600 - Dave Bedford

Episode 599 - Steve Way

Episode 598 - Gary House

Episode 597 - Kevin Dutton & Steve Ingham

Episode 596 - Mike Sheridan