March 2024 saw barriers broken at the Tokyo Marathon by a man whose dedication to being 1% better every day is utterly inspiring - Chris Nikic.

The first to complete the 6 Abbott Majors as an athlete with Down’s Syndrome, his outlook on resilience, progress and motivation should rouse us all, so it’s a joy for Chris and his father Nik to join us on this episode of Marathon Talk.

It’s an episode not to be missed, as we give you the rundown on everything to look out for at the Olympics in Paris!

In this episode of Marathon Talk:

• 0:00 - Deena kicks us off with a look back at her various vacation escapades, and Martin brings us into the mindset of feeling fast, without necessarily running it

• 9:55 - The Olympics are upon us, and we preview the big stories to watch out for, from Sifan Hassan’s packed schedule, to Team GB’s promising prospects, and of course our pick of the favourites from the marathon field - plus Deena shares just what it’s like as an elite athlete to prepare for the Olympics

• 31:50 - The inspirational story of Chris Nikic and his father Nik is the subject of a moving new documentary, so it’s high time to break down the remarkable mindset of a man whose resilience saw him become the first athlete with Down’s Syndrome to become a 6 Star Finisher!

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/

Running is for everyone, and there are few flying the flag higher for that than the incredible Marcus Brown.

From 4:55 finishes to Co-Founding his own running club championing diverse backgrounds in the running community, his is a voice worth amplifying as he joins us on this week’s episode of Marathon Talk!

Also on the show, Martin recalls his recent triathlon triumphs, we highlight some blistering Diamond League performances, and there’s controversy around the UK’s Olympic selections…

In this episode of Marathon Talk:

• 0:00 - At the top of the show we look back on Martin’s triathlon triumphs in Swanage last week, and Deena’s plans to get running back on the agenda

• 11:20 - We round up a blistering Paris Diamond League which set records, the latest from the US Olympic Trials, and controversy around the UK’s picks and omissions

• 22:35 - Training Talk this week is a speedy one, literally! Learn to get some speed into legs that are used to plodding, and learn why it’s so important to do speed sessions

• 29:50 - Marcus Brown joins us to share his journey with running, its greatest gift to him, and the inspirational work he’s doing with Co-Founding the One Percent Running Club

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/

Abbott World Marathon Majors: https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/

Martin Yelling: https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/

Deena Kastor: https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/

Marcus Brown: https://www.instagram.com/marcus_runs/?hl=en

One Percent Running Club: https://www.onepercentrunningclub.com/

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9C1dQxt60t/

The Marathon Des Sables in the Sahara Desert is among the toughest feats any runner can achieve, and fresh from a Top 50 finish is the remarkable Chris Slater.

It’s a privilege and a pleasure to speak with him on this week’s Marathon Talk - his recovery from addiction has led him on an endurance running journey from which we can’t help but be inspired.

Elsewhere in the show, we put the spotlight on Russ Cook for his next adventure, track & field taking centre stage at the next Olympics, and a curious new dating-running series…

In this episode of Marathon Talk:

• 0:00 - Kicking things off, Martin and Deena round up their fortnight watching the riveting US Olympic trials, and how they’ve been exploring different running formats

• 12:00 - All the latest in the running world sees a new challenge for the Hardest Geezer Russ Cook, track & field taking top billing in L.A, and a new, faster way to go dating…

• 23:45 - Chris Slater is our incredible guest this week, with not only an inspirational story overcoming addiction, but in doing so he’s an 81 time marathon finisher and is fresh from a remarkable 250km Marathon Des Sables

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/

https://www.instagram.com/wmmajors/

Martin Yelling: https://www.instagram.com/martinyelling/

Deena Kastor: https://www.instagram.com/deena8050/

Chris Slater: https://www.instagram.com/chrisslaterrr/