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.

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!