Two Men On The Run

In Episode 73 of Two Men on the Run Podcast, Matt and Jon-Jo reflect on one of the standout nights in the racing calendar - the iconic Armagh International 5K.

Jon-Jo shares his experience racing at Armagh this year, describing the atmosphere, the noise, and the sheer spectacle of an event that consistently produces fast times and unforgettable performances. The Two Men on the Run explore what makes the race so special and why it continues to attract stacked fields year after year.

Looking ahead, Jon-Jo outlines his plans for the half marathon - where his fitness is heading and what the next phase of training looks like.

Meanwhile, Matt sets out a different challenge. After years focused on the marathon, he plans to train more like a miler and target the 5K in a bid to rebuild speed and sharpen up. The discussion turns to how he intends to structure his training around family life, balancing ambition with realism.

From the electric streets of Armagh to a reset in training philosophy, this episode is about momentum, perspective and building towards what comes next.

In this episode, the Two Men On The Run sit down with Patsy McGonagle, one of Ireland’s most respected figures in athletics. Patsy’s career spans decades of dedication to the sport, from founding Finn Valley Athletics Club in 1971 to leading Irish track & field teams on the world’s biggest stage.

For 25 years he served as Team Manager of Irish Athletics, guiding athletes through four Olympic Games, six World Championships and six European Championships, and helping Ireland secure multiple medals at the highest level.

We explore his early days growing a club from scratch in Donegal, the highs and lows of elite sport management, insights into iconic moments like Sonia O’Sullivan’s Olympic silver, and how his belief in athletes helped shape Irish athletics for a generation.

This is a deeply human and inspiring conversation with a man who embodies passion, resilience and community, a must-listen for anyone who loves sport, leadership and the stories behind the success.

Hopefully, we can have Patsy back on to get even more into the details of his relentless career in athletics.

In this episode, we celebrate a fantastic year of running for one of the Two Men on the Run, Jon-Jo. As Jon-Jo reflects on his progress, the question is raised: is Matt done and out, or is there more still to come? We’ll see what 2026 brings.

We dive into Jon-Jo’s recent race at the classic Brampton to Carlisle, and once again explore what’s changed between past and present when it comes to performances at iconic races like this.

The conversation then turns to fast times in Masters athletics. Are today’s performances the result of better technology, improved nutrition and smarter training, or is there a darker side, with performance-enhancing drugs still part of the discussion?

This week on Two Men on the Run, Jon-Jo reflects on his recent outing at the Mid-Cheshire 5K, how his training has shifted under the guidance of new coach John Downes, and the build-up to his half-marathon next weekend.

The lads also dive into the world of road racing – from poor prize offerings like bottles of wine to the reality of prize money, and whether some events are profiting at the expense of athletes themselves.

As always, plenty of stories, laughs, and honest chat about life on the run.

This week the Two Men on the Run are joined by previous guest John Downes as they interview a St. Helens running legend Steve Anders, who, after international success, hung up his running spikes at the peak of his career. But after suffering a life-threatening heart attack, he has made his return now as a master's athlete.

We talk about his journey from elite athlete to master runner, the mental and physical battle of recovery, and what keeps him lacing up his shoes after all these years. Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or someone facing your own setbacks, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

The Two Men on the Run are back again and they've finally got to the digital era. With Jon-Jo now living in Ireland, he's been talked into opening a Zoom account and getting some podcasts recorded. So the Two Men on the Run should be joining you, hopefully more often going forward, but they've been promising that for two years so who knows.

Joining the Two Men on the Run this week is special guest Anton Hutton of Foyle Valley Athletics Club. Born in Dublin and living in Derry for the last 20 years, Anton a national level swimmer in his youth, found running through parkrun later in life, and now competes as a top masters athlete.

The wait is over! After a few months' hiatus, Jon-Jo and Matt are back with Episode 66 of Two Men on the Run. A lot has changed since the last episode: Jon-Jo has relocated to Ireland, where he's been tearing up the racing scene, representing his home country and trying to defend his Merseyside XC Title. Meanwhile, Matt has been busy on and off the track, celebrating the arrival of his second son while setting his sights on breaking his marathon PB at next year’s London Marathon.

In this episode, the lads catch up on their whirlwind personal lives and delve into the world of athletics. They break down recent major marathon performances, discuss the current state of the sport, and outline their ambitions for 2025. Whether you're a runner, a fan of athletics, or just along for the ride, this is a comeback episode you won’t want to miss!

Tune in for plenty of running banter, big goals, and a healthy dose of inspiration. Let’s get back on track! 🎙️👟

The Two Men on the Run are joined by Tom 'Crofty' Croft, Liverpool Harrier, sprinter and coach.

Tom talks to the men about his sprinting training and goals for the coming year, his coaching and personal training business and the Olympics.

Matt Cochrane of Newburgh Nomads joins the Two Men on the Run to celebrate 40 years of the Newburgh Nomads, talk about fell running and if it should be in the Olympics, and his recovery from his recent TIA and quick return to training and racing.

Two Men on the Run are joined by Mark Rogerson, a local athlete who has been across the world breaking records and becoming the first-ever European visually impaired athlete to complete all Six Abbott World Marathon Majors.

The Men hear how Mark lost his sight and got started on his running journey, supported by family, friends and the RNIB. How he met his guide for most of his Marathon Majors, Katie Garrity, and the story of how they have travelled from the UK to Asia, and Europe, while finally taking his final Majors Star over in the States at the historic Boston Marathon back in April.