Advertise on podcast: LetsRun.com's Track Talk: The Home of Running and Track and Field

🏃Get the only recovery slide with hot & cold therapy and compression Afterslide is the only recovery slide combining compression with hot or cold therapy and fully customizable pressure zones. Founded by an orthopedic surgeon who is a huge LetsRun fan. Use code Letsrun26 for 5% off one pair or Letsrun26-2 for 10% off two pairs. Check out a better way to recover here (Sponsored) EPISODE SUMMARY We start with a litle high school cross country talk. A runner was DQd at the Connecticut state meet for wearing a WHOOP band, and Kara Glenn shattered the national high school girls' 3-mile record with a stunning 15:12.9 at the Illinois State Meet at Detweiller Park, more than 40 seconds faster than the course record, and the performance is getting scrutiny. With the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials nearly 500 days away, the crew breaks down the men's and women's fields. Is Zouhair Talbi the men's favorite after three sub-2:07 marathons this year? What about Jess McClain and Emma Grace Hurley. Is Rachael Rudel a dark horse? 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS Yaseen Abdalla: From Trying to Break 4:40 in Mile to Fastest American Ever Back to the Future: Donavan Brazier Reunites With Pete Julian Kara Glenn Breaks National High School 3-Mile Record — LetsRun Forum Thread TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Sponsor / Intro 01:02 NFL and Premier League Banter 04:18 Yaseen Abdalla: Fastest American Half Marathoner Ever 06:56 Connecticut DQ Controversy: WHOOP Band at State Meet 09:44 The Rules Debate: GPS Watches vs Heart Rate Monitors 10:48 Did a Rival Coach Wait to Snitch? 13:14 Most Important Runner on a Cross Country Team 16:38 Kara Glenn Breaks National High School 3-Mile Record 20:16 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials: Women's Contenders 28:29 Rachael Rudel: The Dark Horse Contender 35:09 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials: Men's Contenders 39:05 Talbi, Hicks, Young, Mauri: Who Makes the Team? 46:37 The LetsRun Singlet, Coaching Egos, and Trivia Night 55:54 Outro / Afterslide Contact us: Email: [email protected] Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

🏃(Sponsor) Get the only recovery slide with hot & cold therapy and compression Afterslide is the only recovery slide combining compression with hot or cold therapy and fully customizable pressure zones. Founded by an orthopedic surgeon who is a huge LetsRun fan. Use code Letsrun26 for 5% off one pair or Letsrun26-2 for 10% off two pairs. Check out a better way to recover here (sponsor) Yaseen Abdalla's path to the top of American distance running is unconventional. He went from posting on the LetsRun.com forums about how to break 4:40 in the mile in high school to running 59:12 at the Valencia half marathon, the fastest time ever by an American. However, his time doesn't count as the American record as he represents Sudan internationally. He's unsponsored, self-coached, does a ton of treadmill training in Texas, ran a 2:11 marathon at the Olympics on 2 hours sleep and a pre-race pizza. He's got his own online coaching business and his own apparel company Kairos. Yaseen talks about his unconventional rise to the top, states his case on why we should be the American record holder, breaks down his training philosophy, and comparisons to Vinnie Mauri, plus his goal of going under 2:03 at the Valencia Marathon on December 6th. 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS Breaking 4:40 Before Junior Year (LetsRun Forum Post) Yaseen's apparel business: Kairos Running Yaseen's coaching businesS: RunPlusCoaching Yaseen Abdalla's YouTube Channel The Full Marius Bakken Interview: The Norwegian Method, Double Threshold, and Raising the Aerobic Ceiling Timestamps 00:00 Afterslide a better way to recover (sponsor) 01:40 Start 06:44 Valencia Half Marathon Race Day Details 12:54 Olympic Marathon Experience 14:37 Representing Sudan 19:25 No Shoe Sponsor and Building a Brand 25:03 Training Philosophy and Treadmill Sessions 31:31 Treadmill Benefits and Conversion Paces 38:27 Comparing Training With Vinnie Mauri 41:08 NCAA Comparison and Progression 43:15 Valencia Marathon Goals and Future Allegiance 45:53 A LetsRun Forum Post Come Full Circle 47:26 Afterslide: an easier way to recover (sponsor) 47:38 Join our club

🏃Marathon Done, AfterSlide On Afterslide is the only recovery slide combining compression with hot or cold therapy and fully customizable pressure zones. Founded by an orthopedic surgeon and huge LetsRun fan. Use code Letsrun26 for 5% off one pair or Letsrun26-2 for 10% off two pairs. Check out a better way to recover here (sponsor) Andreas Almgren made history at the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, becoming the first non-African born man to win a World Marathon Major since Yuki Kawauchi's snowstorm Boston in 2018, and only the seventh in the 21st century. The Swedish 800m-convert-turned-marathoner closed in 6:01 from 40K, tied for the second-fastest close in major marathon history, and won going away in 2:06:01. On the women's side, Sheila Chepkirui took the title in a shallow field, but the story was Jess McClain's brilliant late charge to grab second, the first American woman on the NYC Marathon podium since 2018, while 46-year-old Edna Kiplagat stunned with a fourth-place finish. American men ran historically fast times but still couldn't crack the top five, extending their major podium drought to five years. In NCAA cross country, Jane Hedengren returned from illness to win Big 12s and lead BYU to the team title, while Colorado edged Oklahoma State on the men's side. The episode closes with a tribute to Ciara Mageean, a bright light in the sport, the 2024 European 1500m champion from Ireland, who died at 34 after a battle with bowel cancer. 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS AfterSlide Recovery Slides 2026 TCS New York City Marathon Event Coverage - LetsRun.com Did you run NY? post here Ciara Mageean Memorial Thread - LetsRun Forum Ciara Mageean LetsRun Interview (2023) Ciara Mageean Reflects on Finishing Fourth in the World - Citius Mag Podcasthttps://www.letsrun.com/ LetsRun.com Forum — https://www.letsrun.com/forum Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe TIMESTAMPS 00:00 AfterSlide Sponsor 01:34 NYC Marathon Recap and Ciara Mageean 05:21 Almgren's Historic NYC Marathon Win 12:46 Can Others Follow Almgren's Blueprint? 17:41 Almgren: The Wildest Story in Distance Running 22:00 Non-African Born Major Winners By the Numbers 29:36 American Men: Conner Mantz and the Podium Drought 36:55 Should Mantz Change Coaches? 41:29 Super Shoes, Fueling, and Disappearing Blow-Ups 44:21 NYC Marathon Women's Race 48:25 Assessing Jess McClain's Second Place 55:05 Edna Kiplagat Finishes Fourth at 46 57:45 Weini Kelati's Debut and Fueling Woes 60:00 Marathon done, afterslide on (sponsor) 60:47 NCAA XC: Jane Hedengren and the BYU Women 64:41 NCAA XC Men: Colorado Edges Oklahoma State 69:12 Gapes vs Hedengren: NCAA Individual Preview 73:17 Foreigners Taking Over NCAA Cross Country 78:02 Recruiting, NIL, and the Campus Requirement Debate 84:08 Remembering Ciara Mageean Contact us: Email: [email protected] Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

James Milner, the Premier League's all-time appearance record holder with 658 games, joins Jonathan Gault ahead of his marathon debut at the TCS New York City Marathon. Milner details his transition from footballer to distance runner, revealing he used AI to build his training plan and topped out at 32 kilometers in preparation. The conversation dives into the fitness culture at Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp, including the famous lactate threshold test Milner never lost. He also opens up about a knee operation two years ago that left him unable to lift his foot for six months, an injury that makes simply finishing the marathon meaningful. Milner is running for the James Milner Foundation, which has raised over £1.3 million for causes including NSPCC and Help for Heroes. Join the best club in running, get a super soft tshirt, a bonus podcast every week. Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS James Milner Foundation -Donate here LetsRun.com LetsRun TCS New York City Marathon Coverage Better Running Shoes — betterrunningshoes.com LetsRun.com NYC Marathon Prediction Contest Video of talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UrnjHEA3sU TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 01:52 Marathon Training and Preparation 04:20 Race Strategy and the Knee Injury That Almost Ended It All 05:45 Milner's Athletics Background 07:37 The Fittest Players in Football 09:08 Inside Liverpool's Pre-Season and the Famous Lactate Test 11:54 Staying Fit as an Aging Footballer 13:15 Fueling in Football vs. Marathon Running 16:44 Life After Football and the NYC Marathon 18:12 The James Milner Foundation 19:31 Man City vs. Brighton Prediction 21:36 Outro CONTACT Email: [email protected] Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

New York Road Runners CEO Rob Simmelkjaer joins Jonathan Gault and Robert Johnson live from the New York City Marathon Expo to talk about his four years running the country's biggest road race organization. Simmelkjaer calls doping an "existential threat" to the sport and warns that high-profile positive tests risk turning fans and parents away from elite competition. He pushes back on the idea of a two-day NYC Marathon, saying he'd "rather have one amazing day than two pretty good days", and he talks about how far World Marathon expansion will go. Plus, how can we convert recreational runners into fans of the pro side of the sport? 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LetsRun.com NYC Marathon Coverage Find a better running shoe: https://www.betterrunningshoes.com Final Finishers Documentary (Emmy Award-winning NYRR film) LetsRun.com 2026 NYC Marathon Preview Podcast Video TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro and Episode Preview 01:14 Meet Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners 01:57 Proudest Accomplishment: 03:26 Biggest Surprise 04:21 Would New York Ever Go to Two Days Like London? 05:48 Rob's Running Background and Path to the Job 06:38 Converting Participants Into Fans of the Pro Side 07:56 Do the Elites Still Matter to the Marathon? 09:25 Doping as an Existential Threat to the Sport 10:20 Are the World Marathon Majors Diluting Themselves? 13:21 BetterRunningShoes.com Contact us: Email: [email protected] Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

The running world lost a legendary coach with the passing of Frank Gagliano and we pay our respects, as Ron Speirs, the first Gag's athlete who went sub 4 in the mile joins us at 66:16 to talk about Gags. Another women's marathoning titan tested positive - Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir has been suspended for EPO. What does it mean? What do Jess McClain and Kara Goucher have to say about it. At the Valencia Half Marathon, American Yaseen Abdalla ran the fastest time ever by an American 59:12, but it won't count as a US record because he hasn't yet represented the US internationally. Meanwhile, Sheila Chepkirui got the win and another Sheila Chepkirui is running New York. But the big story line in New York according to JG and Wejo is Andreas Almgren's debut. Can he win? 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content:, Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS Another Titan Falls: What Olympic Champion Peres Jepchirchir's EPO Ban Means for the Sport WTW: An American Beat the US Half Record, a Spaniard Beat the European Record, and Neither Counted Yaseen Abdalla Instagram Video Yaseen Abdalla Profile: The Art of Carrying On LetsRun Instagram Post — Kara Goucher and Jess McClain Reactions RIP Frank Gagliano — LetsRun Forum Thread A Legend's Last Trials — Liam Boylan-Pett on Frank Gagliano (Runner's World) TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 00:24 Remembering Frank Gagliano 08:36 Peres Jepchirchir Suspended for EPO 13:39 Nike Oregon Project and Doping Responsibility 23:04 Testing Timelines and the Jepchirchir Sample 31:29 Valencia Half Marathon Recap: Yaseen Abdalla run faster than any American ever 34:49 Two Sheila Chepkiruis and the Women's Race 43:02 Nationality Rules and the US Half Marathon Record 49:57 How Soft Is the US Half Marathon Record? 54:30 Abdalla's Treadmill Training Revolution 58:27 New York City Marathon Preview 66:16 Ron Speirs on the Legend of Frank Gagliano 78:42 Gagliano's Best Recruiting Story 85:24 How an Ex-Quarterback Learned to Coach Distance CONTACT Email: [email protected] Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

🏃 Presented by VKTRY VKTRY makes carbon fiber insoles you can use in any running shoe, no need for expensive super shoes to get carbon fiber benefits. They offer a 90-day risk-free trial: order insoles in your shoe size and weight, and if you don't like them, get your money back. USATF Half Marathon Champion Wesley Kiptoo runs in VKTRY. Check them out here. 👕 Get the LetsRun.com 1:59:40 Marathon T-Shirt for 50% off! Visit shop.letsrun.com and enter code Kipchoge at checkout. Super soft, in the colors of the Kenyan flag. Summary: Have adidas' new super shoes changed the game? adidas owns eight of the 10 fastest men's marathon performances and the top three women's times in 2026. Plus veterans like Lelisa Desisa and Tamirat Tola are running career PBs in their 30s. In NCAA cross country, short-handed #2 BYU upset top-ranked NC State at Pre-Nats while a judge granted letting Taylor Rohatinsky compete, spotlighting a rapidly changing landscape with expanded scholarships, foreign athletes, and a new five-for-five eligibility rule. Olympic 800m champion Athing Mu is pregnant. Will she return for the 2028 LA Olympics? What was the World Athletics' Moment of the Year: Sebastian Sawe's historic 1:59:30 marathon or Josh Kerr's 3:42.66 mile world record? Who was the Athlete of the Year: Masai Russell vs. Audrey Werro? and what about USATF athletes of year? 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Use code GOAT50 to save 50% off your first year. Money back guarantee. Links LetsRun 1:59:40 Marathon T-Shirt — Use code Kipchoge for 50% off LetsRun Supporters Club — Use code GOAT50 for 50% off your first year The Week That Was (LetsRun.com weekly recap column) Q\&A with Colorado coach Sean Carlson (Supporters Club exclusive) Brighton goal from midfield TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Sponsor / Intro & Episode Preview 04:14 The Sub-2:04 Marathon Boom 08:02 Adidas Dominance & Veterans Running PBs 13:25 2016 Olympic Marathon Doping Controversy 18:11 Super Shoes, Doping & Marathon Fairness 23:54 NCAA Cross Country: Pre-Nats & Eligibility Fight 29:59 The New NCAA: Five Years & Foreign Athletes 33:26 College Coaching & the Carlson Interview 38:50 Athing Mu's Pregnancy & Comeback Odds 44:13 Will Athing Mu Make the 2028 Olympic Team? 51:31 Coaching Athing Mu & the Dallas Running Community 53:51 World Athletics Moment of the Year Nominees 57:31 Sawe vs. Kerr: The Moment of the Year Debate 62:29 Athlete of the Year: Kerr vs. Dos Santos 66:12 World Athletics Voting Flaws & USATF Awards 71:59 World Athlete of the Year: Russell vs. Werro 76:41 USATF Road/Trail Awards & Wrap-Up Contact us: Email: [email protected] Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

🏃 Presented by VKTRY VKTRY makes carbon fiber insoles you can use in any running shoe, no need for expensive super shoes to get carbon fiber benefits. They offer a 90-day risk-free trial: order insoles in your shoe size and weight, and if you don't like them, get your money back. USATF Half Marathon Champion Wesley Kiptoo runs in VKTRY. Check them out here. EPISODE SUMMARY The 2026 Chicago Marathon delivered blockbuster storylines. Vinny Mauri was on American record pace in just his second marathon, nearly 2:03 pace before hamstring cramps slowed him to 2:06:45 and 10th place. Clayton Young, running on a torn hamstring, finished as top American in 2:05:23 — the second-fastest US time ever. Amos Kipruto won the men's race in 2:01 as Jacob Kiplimo faltered, and Hawi Feysa repeated as women's champion in 2:13:33. Galen Rupp ran 2:06:55 at age 40, while Adidas's new super shoe dominated once again, sweeping all six major marathon titles this fall. The crew also breaks down the Nuttycombe Invitational and the escalating debate over foreign runners dominating NCAA cross country. SUPPORTERS CLUB MESSAGE 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS Robert Johnson's Week That Was: Chicago Marathon Winners and Losers Jonathan Gault's Chicago Marathon Men's Race Recap 25 Years Ago, I "Paced" Catherine Ndereba to a World Record in Chicago - Until She Broke Me - LetsRun.com Mario Garcia Romo Leaves OAC (LetsRun Forum) Congratulations NCAA Coaches, You Killed the Sport (LetsRun Forum) I'd Rather Have Vinny's Race Than Clayton's (LetsRun Forum) Patrick McEnroe Tweet on Foreign Players in NCAA Tennis BetterRunningShoes.com VKTRY Carbon Fiber Insoles — 90-Day Risk-Free Trial LetsRun.com Forum LetsRun.com Forum: College Running TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Chicago Marathon Recap & Intro 02:22 Vinny Mauri's Bold Run & Training Method 09:44 America's Best Marathoner: Mauri, Hicks or Young? 16:33 Adidas Super Shoes & Amos Kipruto 21:33 Gemedu Dedefo's Dominant Training Group 24:03 Hawi Feysa Wins Chicago Again 27:53 Mauri's 15K Gamble & Pacing Debate 34:44 Robert's Ndereba Pacing Story 40:51 Mauri's Fearlessness & The US Marathon Gap 46:32 Can Americans Compete in Fast Marathons? 50:02 Galen Rupp Runs 2:06 at Age 40 52:14 Rupp's Olympic Trials Outlook 54:44 CJ Albertson & Shoe Technology 59:35 Adidas vs Nike: The Shoe War 65:40 Emma Grace Hurley & Broadcast Criticism 71:23 Fixing Marathon Broadcasts 78:13 Nuttycombe Invitational & NCAA Foreign Runners 82:53 The Foreign Runner Debate 88:24 NIL, Pro Contracts & Eligibility Rules 93:49 Transfers, Age Limits & Education 96:57 Mario Garcia Romo's Journey Home 101:37 Defending Dathan Ritzenhein 105:58 Patrick Cullen's Chicago Attempt & Wrap-Up 111:35 Let's Run Blazers & Sign-Off CONTACT Email: [email protected] Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on. Email: [email protected] Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786)

The 2026 Chicago Marathon is stacked with storylines. On the men's side, Vinny Mauri, a former shoe store employee who ran 2:05 alone at Toledo, has gone viral for jaw-dropping treadmill workouts at Planet Fitness, fueling American record hopes. Rojo sparks heated debate by arguing the US has zero legitimate marathon title contenders despite record depth. The women's field is historically loaded with 12 sub-2:20 runners, led by former world record holder Brigid Kosgei and two-time Boston winner Sharon Lokedi, who's running her first flat marathon. The crew also breaks down Jacob Kiplimo's chances, weather concerns that could derail fast times, and whether super shoes benefit women more than men. 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content. Join the Supporters Club: https://www.letsrun.com/subscribehttps://www.letsrun.com/subscribe 🏃 BetterRunningShoes.com. Find the best super shoes, great deals, and review the shoes you're running in. Check out betterrunningshoes.com for deals like the Alphafly 3 for $200 ($95 off) and the Puma Mag Max Nitro for $100. LINKS How Fast Can Strava Legend Vinny Mauri Run at the Chicago Marathon? (LetsRun.com) BetterRunningShoes.com LetsRun.com Supporters Club LetsRun.com Homepage Fast Women by Alison Wade (Substack) Message Board Thread: Women's vs Men's Marathon World Record Gap LetsRun.com YouTube Channel TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Chicago Marathon Week 02:26 Chicago Storylines and Favorites 05:59 Women's Race Preview 09:28 Weather and Race Conditions 14:49 Emma Grace Hurley's Marathon Debut 18:50 Rojo's Hot Take on US Marathoners 24:31 American Marathon Depth Debate 31:40 Olympic Marathon History and US Prospects 36:13 John Kellogg Analyzes Mauri's Training 41:30 Mauri's Training: Can It Translate? 44:00 The American Record Quest 49:53 Kiplimo and the Elite Men's Field 54:00 Women's World Record and Super Shoes 59:20 Looking Ahead to Chicago Weekend CONTACT Contact us: Email: [email protected] Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

Tigst Assefa was on world record pace at the Berlin Marathon before an Achilles injury derailed her final two kilometers. She still limped home in 2:11:04, the third-fastest women's marathon ever, and underwent surgery within hours. Would Assefa broken Ruth Chepngetich's drug-tainted 2:09:56 world record? Is the new Adidas shoe the new "mechanical doping"? In the NCAA, New Mexico upset number-one Oklahoma State at the Cowboy Jamboree behind 27-year-old freshman Pasanjo Kitonga while BYU's Jane Hedengren suffered a rare defeat. Is is a sophomore slump? Josh Kerr released footage of a 2:12.66 1,000-meter time trial that would rank fifth all-time, fueling further argument about whether this was the greatest mile season in history. 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS LetsRun.com Week That Was Josh Kerr 1,000m Time Trial (YouTube) Blueberry Study — International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism Mile WR vs Marathon WR LetsRun.com Forum — letsrun.com/forum TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro and Episode Preview 03:22 Berlin Marathon: Assefa's Heartbreaking World Record Attempt 10:26 Is the Women's Marathon World Record Legitimate? 13:23 Could Assefa Have Run 2:09 Clean? 19:09 The Adidas Super Shoe Advantage 19:58 Berlin Men's Race: Guye Adola Wins at 35 23:13 Berlin Pacing Strategy Debate 25:21 Selemon Barega's Marathon Future vs. Cheptegei 32:52 Are Adidas Shoes the New Mechanical Doping? 34:08 NCAA Cross Country: New Mexico Upsets Oklahoma State 36:54 International Runners and the NCAA Debate 39:08 Jane Hedengren Loses at Cowboy Jamboree 47:21 Is Jane Hedengren's Sophomore Slump Real? 51:42 Doping, Paula Radcliffe, and the 2:15 Debate 54:41 I Think Jane, in Terms of Racing, Should Learn to Relax 55:14 Mile vs. Marathon: Which World Record Is Better? 60:07 Josh Kerr's 1,000-Meter Time Trial Breakdown 63:40 Can Josh Kerr Run 1:42 for 800 Meters? 69:07 El Guerrouj Never Ran the 800 and Other Mysteries 75:27 Kerr's Brooks Deal, Blueberry Doping, and Podcast Tangents 79:30 Thailand's Sprint Sensation and Asian Games Language Drama 82:47 America's Sports Silo Problem 86:42 Fix the Marathon Broadcast and Closing Thoughts Contact us: Email: [email protected] Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

Emma Grace Hurley joins the podcast after the race of her life: a 66:23 half marathon PB at the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, good for fifth place and a historic team silver medal for the US women. She breaks down her race strategy, the chaotic Atlanta trials where she was led off course in the final mile, and why she chose the half marathon over the 5K. With her Chicago Marathon debut just two and a half weeks away, Hurley opens up about her sub-2:20 fitness, carb fueling strategy with Never Second, and the unconventional path that took her from an unremarkable college career at Furman, where she never qualified for NCAAs in track, to becoming the #3 American half marathoner of all time. 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content. 50% Off 1st year with code GOAT50 Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe https://www.letsrun.com/subscribeWant a better running shoe? Check out BetterRunningshoes.comhttps://www.letsrun.com/subscribe https://www.letsrun.com/subscribeTIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome & Copenhagen World Half Marathon Recap 04:42 Chasing A Medal & Team Silver In Copenhagen 08:56 The Atlanta Trials Controversy & Road To Copenhagen 14:11 Balancing Copenhagen & Chicago Marathon Buildup 17:16 Time Goals & The Sub-2:20 Question 21:33 Marathon Training Surprises & Carb Fueling 28:11 From Furman To IT Job To Pro Running 34:04 Finding Her Niche On The Roads 37:00 Following Coaches To Indianapolis & ASICS Origin Story 42:29 Laid Off & Going Full-Time Pro 46:01 Consistency, Daily Routine & Sleep Habits 51:55 Mileage Progression & Chicago Marathon Preview Contact us: Email: [email protected] Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

Andreas Almgren became the first non-African man in 30 years to win the World Half Marathon Championships, running 58:06 in Copenhagen and reigniting debate over whether he can contend at the New York City Marathon. The US women earned team silver with three runners in the top 10, Emma Grace Hurley, Weini Kelati, and Jess McClain all delivering stellar performances, while the US men took bronze. Jakob Ingebrigtsen was stunned in the men's 5K by Eritrea's 21-year-old Dawit Seare, who is now headed to NAZ Elite. The hosts dissect Vinny Mauri's jaw-dropping Strava training logs ahead of the Chicago Marathon, debate whether Athlos is sustainable after its third edition in London, and close with Niels Laros' Achilles surgery and discussion of Sam Blaskowski's racist slurs. 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Links World Half Marathon Recap & Analysis Emma Grace Hurley — Atlanta Track Club Profile Sam Blaskowski Videos from Erin Brown LetsRun.com LetsRun.com Forum LetsRun.com Shop Athlos TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro & Weekend Preview 06:45 Weldon's 1999 World Half Marathon Adventure 10:36 US Women's Team Silver at World Half Marathon 14:56 Agnes Ngetich Dominates & American Women Race Bravely 19:50 USATF Selection Policy & Conner Mantz's Return 25:24 Vinny Mauri's Insane Strava Training 29:19 Andreas Almgren Stuns at World Half Marathon 34:10 Can Almgren Contend at the New York City Marathon? 37:43 The Case Against Almgren in the Marathon 44:29 Almgren, Rupp & the New York Marathon Field 49:11 Almgren vs Mantz & the Non-African Gap 52:37 Is the Marathon Getting Shorter? Shoes & Fueling 54:30 Jakob Ingebrigtsen Stunned in Copenhagen 60:58 Dawit Seare: World Champion Headed to NAZ Elite 64:00 Drew Hunter's Record & Athlos Meet Review 67:05 Sha'Carri Richardson's Inconsistency Mystery 70:18 Athlos Broadcast: Too Much Dead Time? 75:10 Will Athlos Survive Past LA28? 78:46 Athlos Viewership & Can a New Track League Work? 84:03 Niels Laros Surgery & Sam Blaskowski Racism Scandal 88:40 Blaskowski's Training Group & the Path Forward Contact us: Email: [email protected] Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

Werjo, Rojo & Jon break down the inaugural World Ultimate Championships in Budapest, debating whether the made-for-TV format should ever replace the traditional Worlds and whether it devalues USAs as a selection meet. The crew dives into Jakob Ingebrigtsen's dominant 5,000m and his viral mixed-zone interview, plus a debate over whether Hobbs Kessler's "bronze" actually proves anything given how tight the American trio finished. Elsewhere: Melissa Jefferson Wooden's wind-and-altitude-adjusted 200m may be the best ever run, Josh Kerr's closing splits get the stat-nerd treatment, and Nikki Hiltz finally breaks through for a global top 3. Jess Hull takes silver behind Likina Amebaw's dominant 5,000m run. The back half tackles the newly awarded 2029 (Nairobi) and 2031 (Munich) Worlds, sparking an argument over altitude-fueled world records, Kenya's doping record, and whether skipping Europe three Worlds in a row is a mistake. Closes with Megan Eckert's six-day world record and a very "messy" Hyrox controversy. 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: for 50% off your first year: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS WTW: World Ultimates By The Numbers, Megan Eckert's 636-Mile Week, and the Grossest Finish in Hyrox History LetsRun.com Message Board Thread: Praise For Jonathan Gault's Jakob Ingebrigtsen Question Fifth Avenue Mile Recap 2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championships Coverage Matt Lawton: Kenya's Doping Record and the 2029 Worlds TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Sponsor Break And Show Preview 00:49 Budapest World Ultimate Championships Kickoff 05:04 Comparing Ultimate Championships To Grand Slam Track 09:58 Can The Ultimate Championships Sustain Financially 13:16 Should The Ultimate Championships Replace Worlds 16:19 Altitude And Future World Records In Nairobi 19:43 Debating The Event Schedule And Prelims Format 22:18 USAs Selection Stakes Under Threat 26:01 Grading The Meet's Innovations And Stats 30:59 Hobbs Kessler Third Place Debate 33:49 Ranking Algorithm Controversy And Predicted Finish Errors 37:26 Sprint Recap: Kenny Bednarek, Bolt And Lyles 44:20 Melissa Jefferson Wooden's Historic 200 47:05 Josh Kerr And Cam Myers Closing Splits 50:32 Jakob Ingebrigtsen Vs Cole Hocker Debate 53:53 Josh Kerr's Historic Season Recap 55:55 Amy Hunt Vs Josh Kerr Sports Personality Debate 60:06 Women's Sprints And Middle Distance Recap 64:01 Nikki Hiltz Breakthrough Medal 67:07 Jessica Hull And Likina Amebaw 5000 Recap 70:19 Did Americans Benefit From Weak Fields 71:46 Fifth Avenue Mile And Message Board Buzz 73:33 Jakob Ingebrigtsen's Viral Mixed Zone Interview 77:57 2029 And 2031 Worlds Awarded To Nairobi And Munich 81:59 Why Europe Is Being Skipped For Three Worlds 84:32 Is Kenya Ready To Host A World Championships 86:59 Kenya's Doping Record Under Scrutiny 90:32 Could Nairobi Host The Last Worlds Marathon 92:04 Megan Eckert Sets Six-Day Running World Record 93:09 Hyrox Controversy Sparks Debate 97:47 Wrapping Up And Contact Information 99:00 Emmanuel Wanyonyi's Stunning 800m Upset CONTACT Email: [email protected] Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.

Get the full podcast by getting our Ultimates' Pass or joining the Supporters Club for a full year for 50% off Cancel anytime . Money back guarantee https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Jakob Ingebrigtsen served notice he's still the king of the 5000, blitzing a stacked field (five Americans in the top seven) to win the first-ever World Ultimate Championship 5000m title, closing in 12.6 for his final 100m after admitting his 2025 buildup didn't have a lot of real training. He got asked by Jon about not-pushing the pace in the 5000, and left the door open on doubling back in the 1500m and eventually chasing the 5000m world record. Cole Hocker was 2nd, Parker Wolfe 3rd, Nico Young 5th, Grant Fisher 6th, and Graham Blanks 7th. The men's 110m hurdles delivered the night's photo finish, with NCAA sophomore Ja'Kobe Tharp out-leaning defending world champ Cordell Tinch by a hundredth of a second to become the Ultimate champion, while Bradley Franklin's third-place finish reignited debate over why NCAA athletes can't legally collect prize money they've already earned. Timestamps: 00:00 Jakob Ingebrigtsen Wins World Ultimate 5000m Title 03:12 Supporters Club News And Rojo's Late-Night Call 05:30 Grilling Jakob On Tactics And The Cowardice Question 09:42 Henrik Reveals Jakob's Wild Comeback Training 13:00 Breaking Down The Race's Blistering Final Lap 18:16 Five Americans In The Top Seven Reshape US Depth 21:03 Jakob's Injury History, World Record Hopes, And Donovan Brazier Comparisons 24:44 Reviewing The Rest Of The American Field 29:48 Quick Hits: 800m Prelims And A Photo-Finish Hurdles Classic 35:30 NCAA Prize Money Debate And Day Two Preview 38:22 Jakob Ingebrigtsen Interview 49:04 Henrik Ingebrigtsen Interview 68:19 Rojo's Live 5000 Watchalong 80:57 Final 500m 81:58 Rojo's Reaction To Jakob winning Contact us: Email [email protected] or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Check out the LetsRun.com store. https://shop.letsrun.com/ We've got the softest running shirts in the business. Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend.

🏃 Join the Supporters Club for exclusive World Ultimate Championships coverage, bonus podcasts from Budapest, and more. Use code for 50% off a yearly membership ($50) with a free super soft T-shirt, or grab a one-off World Ultimates pass for $9.99. Predict the men's 5,000 winner for a free 1-off subscription. Email [email protected] Go to letsrun.com/subscribe. EPISODE SUMMARY The World Ultimate Championships kick off Thursday in Budapest, and the LetsRun crew breaks down every distance event in a rapid-fire preview. The women's 800 sparks the biggest debate: Robert Johnson is baffled by polls showing Femke Bol as the Olympic favorite over Audrey Werro, who has run the three fastest legitimate times in history. The women's 1500 is wide open after Klaudia Kazmirowska's stunning Diamond League final win, and Jessica Hull still chases her first major title. On the men's side, Josh Kerr is the rare odds-on 1500 favorite after a dominant season, while the men's 5000 sets up a dream matchup between Parker Wolfe, Cole Hocker, and Jakob Ingebrigtsen—with Berhanu Balu controversially absent. Clayton Young announces he's targeting Conner Mantz's American marathon record at Chicago, but Vincent Mauri and Charles Hicks may have something to say about that. 🎁 🎧 Get a 2nd LetsRun podcast every week + bonus content: Join the Supporters Club — https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS LetsRun.com Supporters Club Cathal Dennehy's Women's 800 Poll on X Josh Kerr Exclusive Article (Wednesday on LetsRun.com) Vincent Mauri on Strava TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Supporters Club https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe 01:10 World Ultimates Preview and Supporters Club 03:38 Ultimate Stars Madden Curse and Key Absences 06:22 Women's 800 Preview: Werro vs Bol vs Hodgkinson 07:05 Is Femke Bol Overrated in the 800? 12:41 Werro's Pacing and the Olympic Debate 17:47 Women's 1500 Preview: Wide Open Field 22:28 Women's 5000 Preview and Hailu's Double Bid 25:49 Men's 800 Preview: Can Anyone Beat Wanyonyi? 30:17 Jakob's Double and the 1500 Schedule 32:14 Wanyonyi's Dominance and How to Beat Him 36:34 Brandon Miller and Donovan Brazier's Comeback 39:58 Men's 1500 Preview: Josh Kerr and the Field 48:14 Men's 5000 Preview: Wolfe vs Hocker vs Ingebrigtsen 55:49 Clayton Young Targets the American Marathon Record 59:26 Vincent Mauri and the Chicago Marathon Dark Horses 63:53 Closing: Budapest Meet-Ups and Upcoming Coverage CONTACT Email: [email protected] Call or text: 1-844-LETSRUN (1-844-538-7786) ABOUT THE LETSRUN.COM PODCAST Since 2000, LetsRun.com has been the independent home of elite running. Described by the New York Times as the "influential website that serves as something of a superego for American running," the podcast is the weekly deep dive into the world of track and field and elite distance running. The show is hosted by LetsRun.com co-founders Weldon Johnson, a 2-time Team USA member, and Robert Johnson, a former Cornell coach who helped pace the marathon world record, along with award-winning senior writer Jonathan Gault. Together they move beyond PR headlines to provide insider reporting and unfiltered debate serious fans rely on.