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/

The AbbottWMM MTT Age Group World Championships are nearly upon us - are you ready for the blazing fast field lining up in Sydney?

This week’s Marathon Talk is your chance to put that to the test, as Danny Coyle returns to the podcast as quizmaster, bringing us the stellar stats for those toeing the line in September.

Elsewhere in the running world, we bring you the latest from a record-setting NCAA Championships, the rapid racing we saw in Rome last week, and why Boston’s ‘Spike’ is getting a makeover…

In this episode of Marathon Talk:

• 0:00 - Martin & Deena kick off with each others’ chaotic camping stories, and the latest on Martin’s road to recovery

• 10:35 - We round up this week’s news, from a historical NCAA win for Louis Hinchcliffe, the scintillating performances from the European Championships, and Boston’s mascot makeover

• 21:30 - The stats team at Abbott World Marathon Majors has pulled some remarkable facts to prepare you for this year’s Age Group World Championships lineup, and Danny Coyle joins us for a play-along pub quiz spotlighting some of the most incredible performers to toe the line in Sydney

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/

When LA saw the first ever Olympic women’s marathon champion, it was none other than this week’s Marathon Talk guest who crossed the line first - Joan Benoit Samuelson.

An icon in the sport and Deena’s greatest mentor, she joins us on the podcast this week to share her remarkable relationship with the sport, and the power of storytelling within it.

Elsewhere in the show, the Diamond League gives us record-breaking runs and a tantalising preview of Paris, while Training Talk is all about refinding your speed this summer!

In this episode of Marathon Talk:

• 0:00 - Martin & Deena return to share their holiday weekend escapades, riding adventures, and how Martin is ‘irritating George Clooney’

• 5:15 - In the news this week, we recap the Diamond League’s biggest stories, from the new Women’s 10,000m record to the Kerr vs Ingebrigtsen tussle, and how it all points towards an unmissable Paris 2024

• 20:45 - Training Talk is timely as ever this week, with a look over how to redefine your legs over the summer break, and refinding your pace as a way to prepare for the marathon season ahead

• 27:35 - The indomitable Joan Benoit Samuelson is our very special guest as we chat to her about the camaraderie en route to becoming 1984’s Olympic Champion, Joan’s love for storytelling in the sport, and her journey to achieving her 6th Star - plus so much more!

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/

What better time to exhibit the extraordinary mental benefits of running than during Mental Health Awareness Week.

That’s been a huge focus for this week’s Marathon Talk guest, Runner’s World’s Mallory Creveling, who’s been working on a must-read piece of work on wellness - ‘The Runner’s World Guide to Mental Health’.

Learn more on this week’s podcast, where we also share the best path to recovery from unexpected injuries, peek ahead at Bekele vs Kipchoge, and bring you some superb 6 Star Stats.

In this episode of Marathon Talk:

• 0:00 - At the top of the show we check in with Martin & Deena’s recent antics, from Deena’s L.A. trip to Martin’s camping escapades and an unfortunate injury

• 6:15 - In the news this week, we FINALLY get a preview on Bekele vs Kipchoge at Paris 2024, some shocking revelations about Kipchoge’s recent abuse, and we crunch the numbers on the 6 Star Statistics from the past season

• 19:50 - Training Talk this week hits a personal point for Martin, with the best methods for recovery if you’ve picked up an unexpected niggle

• 27:50 - Runner’s World Deputy Editor of Health & Fitness Mallory Creveling joins Deena to share their remarkable recent work for mental health, and Mallory’s own journey discovering the mental benefits of running

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/

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 Marathon!

Anya joins us as we debrief a weekend that gave us a new women’s-only WR, a moving success story for friend of the show Sam Perkins, and Training Talk tackles the three things EVERYONE should do after a spring marathon…

In this episode of Marathon Talk:

• 0:00 - We intro the show with some personal stories away from the sharp end of the London Marathon field, like Sam Perkins’ emotionally charged triumph and Martin’s tips for ‘calf-wrestling’

• 9:35 - It’s a packed roundup this week, with a world record-setting performance from Peres Jepchirchir, a stunning showing with two British men in the top 4, and so much more

• 28:40 - Training Talk is short and sweet this week, with three quickfire things that any runner should do in the wake of a spring marathon

• 31:45 - The marvellous Anya Culling talks us through the journey from a 2019 first-timer to becoming one of Britain’s fastest women in the marathon

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/

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 achieving the double this weekend with some huge Boston and London finishes.

His story is pure distilled inspiration; listen this week to learn more, as Martin & Deena also recap the highlights from a blistering Boston race, break down London’s lineup, and bring some post-race focus to Training Talk.

In this episode of Marathon Talk:

• 0:00 - Martin & Deena touch base on their recent escapades, with some takeaways for those struggling to train through challenging weather

• 4:50 - In a huge roundup, we recap Boston’s biggest stories from a title defence in the women’s race to domination in the men’s and men’s wheelchair races, plus a look ahead to this weekend’s stacked lineup for the TCS London Marathon

• 27:00 - Training Talk this week touches on post-race reconciliation - what should you do with your body and your mind immediately after a marathon, and how do you thank your body for what it’s achieved?

• 31:45 - The remarkable Cedric King joins us to discuss his journey as a double amputee, the battle between talent vs will, and why living in the moment might be the key to distance running success

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/