LetsRun.com's Track Talk

Oregon's Simeon Birnbaum joins the LetsRun.com Track Talk podcast after off a breakout NCAA indoor season. The former South Dakota high school phenom - who left the high school ranks #2 all-time at 1500 & 3200/2-mile - finished second in the NCAA indoor 3,000m and reveals the tactical mistake that cost him the title. Birnbaum says the Habtom Samuel DQ was "pretty soft" and discusses how running fast means nothing, all that matters is winning titles. He opens up about choosing Jerry Schumacher over other programs, the injuires that derailed his early college career, Schumacher's strict no-Strava policy, the NIL landscape for track athletes, and why he picked Diadora over Nike.

Like thid pocast? Join the Supporters Club today! This podcast was out 3 days ago for Supporters Club members. Join our club. Money back guarantee, bonus podcasts, exclusive content. https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe?from=public Josh Kerr is going after one of the most historic world records in the sport, Hicham El Guerrouj's mile world record. After winning his second straight World Indoor 3000m title in Torun, Kerr sat down with LetsRun.com to lay out his plan to break the 27-year-old mark of 3:43.13 at the London Diamond League on July 18th. He wants a negative split, he's picking his own pacers, and he's not moving the race if it rains. Kerr talks race field politics, whether Cole Hocker or Jakob Ingebrigtsen could crash the party, the mile vs. 1500 debate, his bicarb usage, the rise of Western milers, and what it would mean to join Seb Coe, Steve Ovett, and Steve Cram as a British mile world record holder. Plus: Danny Mackey, Brooks Beasts, and Josh's daily trainer pick, the Brooks Glycerin 23 and the workout shoe: Brooks Hyperion Elitehttps://www.letsrun.com/subscribe LINKS Josh Kerr's Mile World Record Announcement Josh Wins World 3000 over Cole Hocker Hicham El Guerrouj's Mile World Record (3:43.13, 1999) Brooks Glycerin 23 Brooks Hyperion Elite TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Music 00:33 Intro and Welcome 02:25 World Indoor 3000m Race Tactics 05:18 How Satisfying Was the World Indoor Title 07:23 Bouncing Back and Building for 2025 09:10 The Mile World Record Announcement 12:39 Weather Worries and Why London 15:17 Who Gets to Race and the Business of Running 19:13 Pacing Strategy and Negative Splits 23:09 Biggest Rival and the Golden Age of the Mile 25:26 British Mile Legacy and Chasing History 28:50 Mile vs 1500: Which Record Is Harder 33:50 Bicarb and the Rise of Western Runners 36:37 Danny Mackey, Jakob, and Looking Ahead 41:52 Shoe Picks: Glycerin and Hyperion

Get the full podcast, join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club at 50% off with code GOAT50 https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe?from=public or watch for free on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpdHnChkn3g Cooper Lutkenhaus, just 17 years old, became the youngest world champion in World Indoor Championships history, winning the men's 800 in Toruń, Poland — on spring break. His coach Chris Capeau joined the show live to break down the race tactics and what makes Cooper different. Keely Hodgkinson dominated the women's 800 in 1:55.3, then stunned with a 50.1 anchor on Britain's 4x400. Georgia Hunter Bell claimed 1500 gold, capping a historic day for British distance running. East Africa went home without a single distance medal, and Mariano Garcia pulled off a brilliant wire-to-wire 1500 win for Spain.https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Timestamps 00:00 Music 00:22 Intro / Cooper Lutkenhaus Wins World Gold 02:42 Coach Chris Capeau on Cooper's Race Tactics 05:42 Why Cooper Ran a Full Indoor Season 09:04 Cooper's Family and What Makes Him Different 11:57 World Champion on Spring Break 16:14 Coach Capeau Watches the Final From Texas 18:17 From Tokyo Flame-Out to World Champion 20:17 Cooper's Winter Training and Leveling Up 24:10 Farewell to Coach Capeau and Bold Predictions 27:00 Men's 1500: Mariano Garcia Goes Wire to Wire 32:26 Women's 1500: Georgia Hunter Bell Takes Gold 35:58 Keely Hodgkinson and Women's 800 Results 39:00 Biggest Winners and Losers of the Meet 41:16 Nikki Hiltz: Seven US Titles but Can They Win Gold? 44:03 Keely's 4x400 Anchor and Non-Distance Highlights 47:54 NCAA, Cole Hocker, and Final Thoughts Contact Email: podcast@letsrun.com 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.

**Want the full podcast?**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?from=public If not you can watch for free on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clKJYKEfoAE Josh Kerr outmaneuvered Cole Hocker to take the men's 3000 and claim his third world title, throwing Hocker's signature celebration back at him. Cooper Lutkenhaus dominated his 800m semifinal with the fastest time at World Indoors since 1997, positioning the 17-year-old Texan as a legitimate gold medal threat. Sprint upsets rocked the straightaways as Julien Alfred and Trey Cunningham both fell short of expectations. Simon Ehammer broke Ashton Eaton's heptathlon world record, while Emily Mackay delivered a stunning silver in the women's 3000m and Nadia Battocletti got gold. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Sponsor / Intro 00:23 Introduction and Race Preview 02:44 Men's 3000m Final: Kerr vs Hocker Showdown 05:01 Hocker's Tactical Missteps 06:43 The Celebration and Rivalry 11:12 Jan Shrub's Stunning Bronze 13:10 Nuguse Disappoints, Beamish Off the Pace 16:55 Women's 3000m: Emily Mackay Silver, Batocletti Gold 21:11 John, Let's Turn to the Women's 3K 24:31 East Africans Struggle at World Indoors 24:56 Sprint Upsets: Alfred and Cunningham Stunned 27:06 Cooper Lutkenhaus: A Star Is Born 28:38 World Record in Heptathlon, Mondo Wins Pole Vault 29:34 Two-Section 400m Finals Debate 31:18 Men's 400m: Morales Williams vs McCray Battle 33:00 Lutkenhaus: From Prodigy to World Stage 39:12 Can Lutkenhaus Break the World Record? 40:06 Final Preview and Calf Sleeve Mystery 41:34 Women's 800 and Sunday Preview 45:29 On Location in Toruń, Poland Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com 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.

The LetsRun.com crew previews the 2025 World Indoor Championships in Poland. The men's 3000m headlines with a Paris Olympics rematch featuring Cole Hocker, Josh Kerr, and Geordie Beamish. Seventeen-year-old Cooper Lutkenhaus attempts to become the youngest world indoor champion ever. On the women's side, Georgia Hunter Bell and Nikki Hiltz battle for 1500m gold with Faith Kipyegon absent, while Keely Hodgkinson enters as the prohibitive favorite in the 800m.

The LA Marathon delivered the closest finish in race history but controversy erupted when video revealed leader Michael Kamau avoiding a spectator on the course followed a lead vehicle off course and ending us losing $15,000 by the slimmest of margins. Jacob Kiplimo cemented his half marathon dominance with a 57:20 world record in Lisbon without a pacer, and the crew debates whether runners without Olympic track gold can be considered all-time greats. Grant Fisher makes his much-anticipated half marathon debut at the NYC Half on Sunday, Fred Kerley's two-year whereabouts ban is officially confirmed , and Michael Johnson faces fraud allegations as Grand Slam Track's bankruptcy heats up.

Femke Bol made her 800m debut. What did we think? Grand Slam Track's bankruptcy plan will pay the athletes nearly everything they are owed, but vendors only 1.5%. Plus: Why track and field will never be popular year-round (and why that's okay), USATF Outdoor Championships are coming to New York for the first time since 1991, and Robert shares his thoughts on ski jumping regulations that you won't believe. The guys also preview this weekend's stacked meets including the ASICS Sound Invite featuring Cole Hocker vs. Sam Ruthe in the mile and Cooper Lutkenhaus in the 800m, answer listener emails, and debate whether cross country running belongs in the Winter Olympics.

The 118th Millrose Games delivered a great show and we break it all down. But the biggest performance of the weekend was in Boston not Millrose as Sam Ruthe, just 16 years old, ran 3:48 in the mile to become the youngest man ever under 3:50 by more than a full year. Cam Myers dominated the Wannamaker Mile in 3:47, Colin Sahlman broke a 37-year-old NCAA 800m record with a 1:44.7 victory, and Cole Hocker looked every bit the world's best distance runner in winning the two mile. Meanwhile, Roisin Willis set the American indoor 800m record in Boston, Nikki Hiltz got a big win, and Cooper Luktenhaus added another high school record to his collection. But it wasn't all celebrations. Is Bryce Hoppel's window closing? Why can't Ollie Hoare find his form? Is Hobbs Kessler's injury excuse a relief or a red flag? The episode also digs into the controversial decision by World Athletics to invalidate Jacob Kiplimo's 56:42 half marathon world record due to drafting behind the lead vehicle. Plus: Is it good for young stars to experience defeat? Should Cam Myers skip World Indoors for a domestic meet? And what exactly happened with the Millrose pacing lights?

Grant Fisher — double Olympic medalist and world indoor record holder — joins the show to talk Millrose, his NYC Half debut, and what it felt like to break Kenenisa Bekele's 2K world record and still lose to Hobbs Kessler in Boston.

Sage Hurta Klecker joins us 77:51 to discuss her amazing 2025, this weekend's world cross country race, and her 2026 plans including a possible American record attempt at the Millrose Games. (Written highlights here) We kick off 2026 with our annual 2025 Quiz,J ohnson vs. Johnson, testing the brothers' knowledge of the past year in running. Then we review our 2025 Bold Predictions (Robert nailed the Emmanuel Wanyonyi call!) and make our 2026 Bold Predictions, including hot takes on Quincy Wilson, Athing Mu, Cole Hocker, and Cooper Lutkenhaus. Plus: Hakone Ekiden TV ratings, Ethiopian athletes denied visas for World XC, Beatrice Chebet's pregnancy announcement, and an interview with Sage Hurta-Klecker ahead of World Cross Country and the Millrose Games.

It's the final pod before Christmas and we've got a packed episode! Evan Jager joins us at 52:45 to put a bow on his incredible career. The Marathon Project 2.0 results are in — Priscah Cherono wins the women's race at age 45 in a 2+ minute PB, while JP Flavin takes the men's title and Turner Wiley runs 2:09 as an unsponsored father working full-time with D2 college PRs. Ben Rosa becomes the youngest person in history to break 4:00 in the mile and 2:10 in the marathon in the same year. Plus: World Cross Country team announcements from France and Ethiopia, the Emily Venters/Evelyn Kimboy NCAA controversy and what it reveals about FERPA, and our full exit interview with Evan Jager reflecting on his incredible steeplechase career — the 2015 Paris fall, Olympic silver, the Oregon Project split, Fancy Bears, and his new job with Nomio in Sweden.

Rosario breaks down the 2025 men's and women's races for you. It's Sunday morning at 9:15 am ET. Get the new shirt here: The LetsRun.com Store

It's mid-December and the running news keeps coming! Grand Slam Track filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy — we dig into the creditor list, the shocking $272K owed to Citius Mag, and what it reveals about the league's spending. On Friday, we broke the news that Athing Mu has left coach Bobby Kersee and moved to Dallas — what's next for her? Plus race recaps from the Brooks XC Championships, the Kalakaua Merrie Mile in Hawaii, and European Cross Country in Portugal. 279.26 we're joined by Yared Nuguse, who previews his quest for a fourth straight Wanamaker Mile title at the Millrose Games on February 1st. Can he break the world record in the indoor mile again?

We break down the massive breaking news that Olympic 800m champion Athing Mu has parted ways with coach Bobby Kersee and relocatesd to Dallas. Plus: Stanford NCAA champion Roisin Willis turns pro early, and Weldon Johnson joins late from all the way out on the West Coast.

Evan Jager's officially retired & the NCAA Cross Country Championships are in the books and we break it all down. We talk Jager's legacy, course cutting, foreign recruiting, Hedengren vs Lemngole, OSU's dynasty, Rocky Hansen's breakout, Ryan Schoppe's heroics, and more. Quick reminder: the best running gift on earth is a Gift Supporters Club Membership for $67 . https://shop.letsrun.com/collections/all/products/gift-supporters-club-membership Quick Links: Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club: https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Gift the SC Membership (67 dollars): https://shop.letsrun.com/collections/all/products/gift-supporters-club-membership Links for rest of pod coming Timestamps: 00:00 Black Friday Deals and why the Supporters Club Gift Membership at 67 dollars is a no brainer 00:35 Evan Jager audio from the iconic Paris fall 01:40 Start of the show 03:00 Evan Jager's career and the race that defined him 08:35 The impact Jager had on US distance running 14:15 Jager betting on himself as a freshman 17:45 LetsRun small talk from nationals weekend 28:45 Course cutting at NCAAs and what should have been done 44:50 Rojo's near death driving adventure 47:29 Do runners ever get DQd in cross country 52:27 Breaking down Jane Hedengren and Doris Lemngole's race 58:20 NC State is officially a dynasty 01:04:03 The foreigner debate 01:06:53 A team of all star Americans would have finished 01:11:09 Rojo gets to the bottom of the foreign explosion 01:23:10 Men's race analysis 01:25:06 Simeon Birnbaum and Connor Burns 01:28:36 Ryan Schoppe fifth man of the week plus Where Your Dreams Become Reality Runner of the Week 01:31:09 Sadie Engelhardt steps up 01:34:04 Closing thoughts and upcoming events Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com 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. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/8cf35cfd-7fb2-4ab0-a813-117ccf6e4ed5

The NCAA Cross Country Championships are Saturday and we break them down. Can Jane Hedengren be the first freshman to win NCAAs on the women's side in 40 years? Is she as fit as any American ever? USATF's books are out and we break them down. Show notes with timestamps below. Links: NCAA XC Contest Join the LetsRun.com supporters club Macbook air $749 Thread of week: Will Jane Hedengren's height eventually hold her back Max Siegel video NCAA Cross Country is RUINED - Teams like Florida Women, OSU and New Mexico ruin NCAA Cross Country - LetsRun.com New NCAA ranking system Want our NCAA preview podcast from the course? 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. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/3f793ad9-3d79-4c30-93fe-d3b8142d259d

Marathon standout Fiona O'Keeffe joins the Let's Run podcast to discuss her recent fourth-place finish at the New York City Marathon, where she set the fastest time ever by an American woman on the course. Fiona covers her training regimen with Puma Elite, coached by Alistair and Amy Cragg, and reflects on her experiences at the 2024 US Olympic Marathon trials and the challenges she faced during the Olympic marathon in Paris. What's next? What about her Puma supershoes? Become a LetsRun.com VIP: Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime . Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/a57fa627-102e-427d-a65d-99421feb8357

US Olympic Marathon Trials champion Fiona O'Keeffe joins us at 55:03 to break down her 4th-place finish at the NYC Marathon, how she rebounded from Olympic heartbreak, and what it's like training under Amy and Alistair Cragg. She opens up about her workouts, recovery from injury, and her long-term goals for 2026 and beyond. Before that, we dive into a wild week in track and field: USADA quietly banned Marvin Bracy, the 2022 World 100 m silver medalist, for nearly four years after he provided "substantial assistance" in a federal doping investigation involving the AIU and the DEA. The story first broke through former sprinter Rae Edwards (RaesTake), who claimed Bracy had been serving a secret suspension and said Bracy's then-coach Dennis Mitchell tipped off the authorities after Bracy confided in him about using a PED. The case has sparked major questions about transparency, informants, and how far USADA should go in keeping suspensions hidden. Plus, the IOC bans males from women's sports, Conner and Kylie Mantz headline the Two Cities Marathon, Elise Cranny may be training with Keely Hodgkinson in the UK, and much more.

We break down a record breaking NYC Marathon, the news Grant Fisher is skipping World Cross Country and a lot more. Want a 2nd podcast every week? And a super soft tshirt? 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 Hellen Obiri smashed the New York City Marathon record from 2003 and went sub 2:20 as Benson Kipruto became the first man to win all three major American marathons. American Fiona O'Keefe impressed in 4th as unheralded Joel Reichow was 6th for the US men. Plus what happened with Jane Hedengren at the Big 12s, should theWorld Athletics Athlete of the Year award process be revamped, and RIP legendary coach Clyde Hart. Show notes: 00:00 New York records & revelations, Grant Fisher OUT of World cross, Parker Valby's return 00:22 Introduction and Podcast Overview 04:28 Hellen Obiri goes sub 2:20 and gets NYC course record 10:23 American women 4 of the 5 fastest American times ever in NY 19:41 Men's race and crazy finish 24:52 Could Conner Mantz have won? 30:46 The Swiss orienteering guy 36:14 Eliud Kipchoge's Performance and Future Plans 46:49 Where your dreams become reality Joel Reichow first American 51:25 Minnesota Distance Elite impresses 53:01 Nick Thompson's Marathon 54:41 Is Parker Valby back? 59:52 Grant Fisher's skipping world cross 01:03:25 World Cross Country Championships Debate 01:09:25 Des Linden downplays the marathon and shitting yourself during a race 01:13:20 NCAA Cross Country Highlights 01:18:16 Josh Hoey's Coaching Changes 01:26:45 World Athletics AOY "controversy" 01:35:28 Tribute to Clyde Hart Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com 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. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/608b4d77-247d-4291-bccb-0b983d2032f7

We break down a record breaking NYC Marathon, the news Grant Fisher is skipping World Cross Country and a lot more. Want a 2nd podcast every week? And a super soft tshirt? 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 Hellen Obiri smashed the New York City Marathon record from 2003 and went sub 2:20 as Benson Kipruto became the first man to win all three major American marathons. American Fiona O'Keefe impressed in 4th as unheralded Joel Reichow was 6th for the US men. Plus what happened with Jane Hedengren at the Big 12s, should theWorld Athletics Athlete of the Year award process be revamped, and RIP legendary coach Clyde Hart. Show notes: 00:00 New York records & revelations, Grant Fisher OUT of World cross, Parker Valby's return 00:22 Introduction and Podcast Overview 04:28 Hellen Obiri goes sub 2:20 and gets NYC course record 10:23 American women 4 of the 5 fastest American times ever in NY 19:41 Men's race and crazy finish 24:52 Could Conner Mantz have won? 30:46 The Swiss orienteering guy 36:14 Eliud Kipchoge's Performance and Future Plans 46:49 Where your dreams become reality Joel Reichow first American 51:25 Minnesota Distance Elite impresses 53:01 Nick Thompson's Marathon 54:41 Is Parker Valby back? 59:52 Grant Fisher's skipping world cross 01:03:25 World Cross Country Championships Debate 01:09:25 Des Linden downplays the marathon and shitting yourself during a race 01:13:20 NCAA Cross Country Highlights 01:18:16 Josh Hoey's Coaching Changes 01:26:45 World Athletics AOY "controversy" 01:35:28 Tribute to Clyde Hart Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com 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. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/b02f9273-f593-4fb6-a8ac-266ee8d591a1

American 800 star Josh Hoey and his coach Justin Rinaldi have parted ways after Rinaldi helped transform Hoey into one of the top 800m runners in the world, but Hoey didn't make Team USA for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. Rojo, Wejo & Jon discuss the reasons behind the split, disagreements over training intensities, and Hoey's tendency to push himself too hard. The hosts express their surprise and disappointment, debating the consequences of this decision on Hoey's future career. Was Josh Hoey's decision wise? Join our club to hear the rest of the podcast We're giving you the 1st 7 minutes of the podcast for free. The rest is for Supporters Club members. Join today https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe?from=public and if you sign up for the annual membership you get Nicholas Thompson's new book The Running Ground for free in addition to a LetsRun.com shirt. (If you'd prefer Sean Brosnan's book, email us podcast@letsrun.com after you sign-up). https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe?from=public Show notes: 00:00 Josh Hoey & Justin Rinaldi part ways 00:22 Introduction and Exciting News Teaser 02:48 Revealing the Big News 04:47 Analyzing the Decision 07:45 Statements from Both Sides 12:22 A greek tragedy? 18:13 Alan Webb comparison? 20:03 Josh's Relentless Training Regimen 27:19 Speculations on Josh's Future Show notes: Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com 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. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/a4f22c1d-2f50-44c6-81d3-fadb353e761b

The #1 cross country team in the country is racked by some teamwide suspensions for violations of "team rules" for the rest of the year. World record holder in the marathon Ruth Chepngetich was banned 3 years. Agnes Ngetich, Yomif Kejelcha, and Andreas Almgren ran fast in Valencia. Who will go fastest in New York City this weekend? Mini preview of the marathon preview at the end. Want our full NYC Marathon Preview podcast? Become a LetsRun.com VIP today. Annual members get the new Nick Thompson book for free, plus a LetsRun.com tshirt. Show notes: 00:00 College doping scandal?, Valencia half, 7th American sub 2:09, New York City Marathon week 00:24 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:53 Special Announcements and Supporters Club 07:15 Jon's thoughts on Ruth Chepngetich suspension 15:15 Iowa State scandal? 22:36 Florida, Arkansas cases 25:36 Duane Ross & Balco 30:55 Texas Tech won NCAA title with Divine Oduduru who later was popped for doping 36:41 Valencia Half Marathon: World record given a scare by Agnes Ngetich 40:58 Andreas Almgren European record 44:04 Jakob Kiplimo record not ratified, but neither was Grant Fisher's 5000m 50:24 Handling Rumors and Speculations 53:23 Keely Hodgkinson's see through dress gets write-up in Daily Mail 54:37 Kenya's World Cross Country Trials in the books and the team is... 01:03:09 Jakob Ingebrigtsen says he wants 1500, mile & 5k world records 01:06:34 USC Cross Country team's gets beats by a bunch of little girls 01:12:13 USAs Daniel Mesfin wins Dublin Marathon in 2:08:51, 7th American under 2:09 this year 01:20:34 New York City Marathon mini preview 01:21:38 Boston Red Sox's Alex Cora running New York 01:26:14 Sifan Hassan vs Obiri vs Lokedi on women's side Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com 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. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/7a212fd2-7842-4166-b820-bcc353b20c7f

Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, former editor-in-chief of Wired, 2:29 marathoner, and daily LetsRun visitor, joins this week's LetsRun.com Track Talk Podcast to talk about his new book, The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of Sports (buy it here). Thompson shares how he went from a decent high school runner to running 2:29 in his 40s and setting the American record for 50K in the 45–49 age group. He opens up about the mental breakthrough that unlocked his improvement, lessons from surviving thyroid cancer, and how running helped him understand his complicated relationship with his father. Nick talks about why we run, how it fits in our life, and also he tells wild stories about getting fired from 60 Minutes after 59 minutes and being kidnapped in Morocco. Plus some business advice for LetsRun.com, and his thoughts on today's top track stars. Bonus: Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club for a year and we'll send you The Running Ground for free ($30 value) + a free LetsRun.com shirt. You get all the LetsRun content, a bonus podcast every week and savings on running shoes. Buy the book at Amazon here or support independent booksellers here. 00:00 Get The Running Ground for free by joining the LetsRun.com Supporters Club 02:00 Introducing Nick Thompson 03:56 What inspired The Running Ground 05:57 Nick's realization and running breakthrough 09:31 His complicated relationship with his father 19:32 Balancing running with life and career 23:00 Training and staying injury-free with the Alexander Technique 30:42 Reflecting on Stanford and early running years 34:00 Moving to ultras and the joy of trail running 36:58 Getting kidnapped in Morocco 40:38 Fired from 60 Minutes after 59 minutes 46:20 Nick's thoughts on today's track and field stars 54:04 Nick's advice for LetsRun.com and navigating the AI era 1:00:18 Wrapping up and how to get the book free Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Bonus: Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club for a year and we'll send you The Running Ground for free ($30 value) + a free LetsRun.com shirt. You get all the LetsRun content, a bonus podcast every week and savings on running shoes. Buy the book at Amazon here or support independent booksellers here. 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. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/13a2d960-f122-4afb-9779-334ed3c6add5

Jane Hedengren blew her NCAA debut out of the park? Could she be the favorite at NCAA cross country? Joshua Cheptegei's improved in marahton #3 in Amsterdam, but is he even better than Conner Mantz? What about Mo Farah?marathon performances and questions whether he's cut out for the distance, comparing him to other marathoners like Connor Mantz and Mo Farah. Parker Valby and Katelyn Tuohy are entered in the NYRR 5k. Does that mean they'll do US cross? What about Nico Young, Grant Fisher, and Cole Hocker? Plus, should they debate Keely Hodgkinson's instagram post? Show notes below: 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 Show notes: 00:00 Jane Hedengren debut, Parker Valby & Katelyn Tuohy return, Joshua Cheptegei vs Conner Mantz + Keely Hodgkinson 00:22 Welcome to Track Talk: Introduction and Hosts 02:36 Jonathan Gault's Soccer Pilgrimage 05:26 Jane Hedengren's Collegiate Debut 09:13 Is she the favorite for NCAAs? 14:38 History isn't kind to top hs 5000m runners 16:09 Joshua Cheptegei marathon #3 2:04:52 in Amsterdam 29:09 Conner Mantz vs Joshua Cheptegei 32:42 Cole Hocker at US Cross? 40:24 Who will be ready in December? 41:06 Debate on Cross Country Team Selection 44:54 Katelyn Tuohy and Parker Valby for NYRR 5k 49:28 Who are favorites? 56:01 Supporters Club and upcoming news tease 59:01 Keely Hodgkinson's instagram post 01:07:47 Final Thoughts and Sign-Off Links: Weekt That Was: Hedengren and Cheptegei Hedengren's debut Keely's outfit Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com 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. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/d2c4be54-32ae-4020-9256-819703331c7d

The 2025 Chicago Marathon delivered: Jacob Kiplimo flirted with the world record, Conner Mantz smashed Khalid Khannouchi's 23-year-old American record with a 2:04:43., and we got to put Ruth Chepngetich's world record another year in the rear view mirror. Mantz' joins the show at 1:56:41 to speak with Jonathan Gault about his American record. Plus, the 2nd Athlos meet in NYC, Femke Bol's shocking move to the 800 meters, and Wesley Kiptoo's new U.S. citizenship. Show notes below.

Chicago and Athlos are here. Want the inside scoop from Chicago? Join the Letsrun.com Supporters Club and become a VIP and get a bonus podcast every week, a super soft t-shirt and savings on running shoes. https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe In this episode of the Let'sRun Track Talk podcast, the Rojo, Wejo & Jon discuss the upcoming Chicago Marathon featuring Connor Mantz's attempt at breaking Khalid Khannouchi's American record of 2:05:38. Defending champion John Korir and world half marathon record holder Jacob Kiplimo will be competing in a highly anticipated men's field. Could Kelvin Kiptum's world record go down? The episode also covers the Athlos women's meet in New York, highlighting the middle-distance events with stars like Keely Hodgkinson, Faith Kipyegon and Nikki Hiltz. Additionally, the team recaps their pre-Worlds fantasy draft and debates whether Cole Hocker is the greatest American distance runner ever. They also promote their upcoming bonus episode with Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, about his memoir and running experiences. Show notes: 00:00 Music 00:23 Welcome to Let's Run Track Talk Podcast 04:50 Athlos Meet Thursday & Friday in NYC 19:16 Chicago Marathon Preview 22:02 Chicago Marathon Weather & world record talk 30:07 Conner Mantz American Record Discussion 36:02 2:03 for Mantz? 38:15 Rojo's realism 43:49 Galen Rupp's Current Form 6:21 Galen Rupp's Olympic Prospects 49:06 Other notable Americans 56:15 Women's Race: Ruth Chepngetich not back to defend her WR 01:01:18 Ejgayehu Taye debut 01:04:21 Looking back at USA only getting 1 distance medal at Worlds 01:12:51 Greatest American Distance Runner Debate *64 runner bracket 01:30:18 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts *64 runner American GOAT bracket Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. 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. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/e51e9bf2-4c40-4f63-93cb-e54d70d22fa9

Chicago and Athlos are here. Want the inside scoop from Chicago? Join the Letsrun.com Supporters Club and become a VIP and get a bonus podcast every week, a super soft t-shirt and savings on running shoes. https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe In this episode of the Let'sRun Track Talk podcast, the Rojo, Wejo & Jon discuss the upcoming Chicago Marathon featuring Connor Mantz's attempt at breaking Khalid Khannouchi's American record of 2:05:38. Defending champion John Korir and world half marathon record holder Jacob Kiplimo will be competing in a highly anticipated men's field. Could Kelvin Kiptum's world record go down? The episode also covers the Athlos women's meet in New York, highlighting the middle-distance events with stars like Keely Hodgkinson, Faith Kipyegon and Nikki Hiltz. Additionally, the team recaps their pre-Worlds fantasy draft and debates whether Cole Hocker is the greatest American distance runner ever. They also promote their upcoming bonus episode with Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, about his memoir and running experiences. Show notes: 00:00 Music 00:23 Welcome to Let's Run Track Talk Podcast 04:50 Athlos Meet Thursday & Friday in NYC 19:16 Chicago Marathon Preview 22:02 Chicago Marathon Weather & world record talk 30:07 Conner Mantz American Record Discussion 36:02 2:03 for Mantz? 38:15 Rojo's realism 43:49 Galen Rupp's Current Form 6:21 Galen Rupp's Olympic Prospects 49:06 Other notable Americans 56:15 Women's Race: Ruth Chepngetich not back to defend her WR 01:01:18 Ejgayehu Taye debut 01:04:21 Looking back at USA only getting 1 distance medal at Worlds 01:12:51 Greatest American Distance Runner Debate *64 runner bracket 01:30:18 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts *64 runner American GOAT bracket Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. 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. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/7c8fdad2-b3d4-425c-8954-c994dca0355d

Jon is back from Japan. Which World Champ did he bump into near Kyoto? The crew breaks down a crazy 2025 track and field season. What were the biggest shocks and surprises? What does the future hold? Become a Letsrun.com VIP to get our 2nd podcast every week 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 The Chicago Marathon is next week and so is Athlos and NCAA XC (Jane Hedengren's debut) and USA XC (World XC qualifier) are fast approaching. What are we most excited about? And what about the latest Kenyan doping scandal. Show notes: 00:00 Meeting a World Champion in Japan 01:35 Welcome to the Let's Run Podcast 02:39 Podcast Team Reunion 04:48 Rojo & Jon's living situation 09:56 Analyzing the 2025 Track Surprises 10:15 The biggest surprise of 2025 was... 12:03 Cole Hocker's 5000 16:57 Brazier 19:04 Josh Hoey 22:37 African men won no track titles 1500-10k 28:12 Jon Gault audio on Cole Hocker 32:31 Athing Mu's year 37:43 Guess how many Olympic champs repeated in Tokyo 41:42 Grant Fisher 45:46 Grand Slam Track 49:45 Jimmy Gressier 51:29 Sydney was Sydney 54:18 Michael Norman, Emmanuel Korir 56:54 Upcoming Marathons and Expectations 01:00:50 What are you most excited about for the fall.. 01:05:51 US Cross Country Championships 01:13:50 The #1 ranked US 800 and 1500m runner are... 01:18:44 World Ultimate Championships in 2026 01:24:28 Kenyan Doping scandal with bus conductor 01:29:58 Chicago & Athlos next week Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com 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. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/8c8c6413-b775-4a2d-b77c-c12466b375c8

Cole Hocker got gold, just not the one you expected. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was Sydney, Rai was Rai (half the time) and so was Noah Lyles? Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Niels Laros came up short and Geordie Beamish shocked the world while Melissa Jefferson Wooden is your new superstar. We break it all down and have some Need a better sleep? AGZ is a nighttime, melatonin free drink designed to support restful, restorative, sleep. Go to DrinkAG1.com here for more info. Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club for 50% off 1st year with code GOAT 50 Join today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Show notes below links. Links Thread of Week: Wanyonyi, Nader, Beamish, Hocker. 2025 World Championships; A Kicker's Paradise? From 1987 to 2022, African born men won 64 straight world finals between 1500 and 10,000. They won 0/4 this year. Why Sage Hurta Klecker 1:55.89 Biggest disappointment of World Champs Biggest winner of Worlds Biggest shock of World Champs What do Griffith Joyner, Koch, Kratochvílová, Wang, Joyner-Kersee have in common? What's up with Geordie Beamish? No races since June 17th. Is he hurt again? Show notes: 00:00 AGZ - The nighttime melatonin free drink for restorative sleep (Sponsored) 00:19 NBC audio of Cole Hocker 00:58 Start 03:35 Big Picture Reflections on World Championships 06:59 Biggest Winners and Losers 11:30 Championship races are very different 17:14 Western dominance in men's distance running? 23:35 American runners "on drugs" 28:08 Nikki Hiltz 5th 30:26 Sage Hurta-Klecker 5th 38:11 Men's 1500 Meters Discussion 38:43 Laros & Jakob 45:03 Voicemail on pacing 48:18 Amazing thread on Cole Hocker's, Isaac Nader's and Geordie Beamish's kicks 53:04 Josh Kerr's Injury and Praise for Jake Weightman 56:05 Fake Josh Kerr audio 58:45 Jake MF Weightman 01:00:04 2028 01:05:18 What if Donavan Brazier... 01:08:58 What if Beatrice Chebet... 01:10:50 MVP... 01:14:48 DQs need to settled quickly 01:15:38 Rai Benjamin's late night before 4x4 final 01:21:30 Hottest take.. Noah Lyles will... 01:24:51 Remembering Magic Monday 01:28:59 Supporters Club Josh Kerr audio Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com 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. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/9902e2c7-8efa-4875-aa3f-87c671207466

Cole Hocker is your 5000m World Champion thanks to an incredible last lap that took him from 12th to 1st with Isaac Kimeli snagging silver and Jimmy Gressier bronze as Nico Young and Grant Fisher missed the podium. Keely Hodgkinson was upset in the 800 by Kenya's Lilian Odira as the Kenyan women swept all the distance golds in Tokyo. Georgia Hunter Bell for the silver. The US 4x400 team and Rai Benjamin got beat by Botswana in a race for the ages as the Americans got it done in the other relays with Noah Lyles, Sha'Carri Richardson, and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone on the anchors. Need some sleep after Worlds? The final weekend of our coverage brought to you by AGZ - AGZ is a nighttime, melatonin free drink designed to support restful, restorative, sleep. Go to DrinkAG1.com here for more info. 00:00 Cole Hocker wins 5000 gold meda _ Keely Hodgkinson settles for bronze - Sunday Worlds Reactions 00:22 Welcome to Track Talk Live from Tokyo 2025 05:39 Cole Hocker's Legendary 5000m Victory 09:21 Analyzing the 5000m Race Tactics 16:17 Cole Hocker's last lap 25:10 Prime Jakob vs Prime Cole 29:13 Grant Fisher's Championship Performance 36:08 Women's 800m Final: Keely upset 39:14 Keely Hodgkinson's Race Breakdown 40:34 Georgia Hunter Bell silver 43:08 Race Tactics and Strategies 46:12 Spotlight on the Champion: Ohira's Journey 51:11 Sage Hurta Klecker 54:46 Sydney in 800 55:50 Men's 4x400m Relay Drama 01:08:21 Sebastian Sawe's Marathon Mastery 01:15:12 World Championships Recap and Farewell What did you think of Worlds? Give us a call. Email podcast@letsrun.com 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. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/576a6bb3-cee9-4839-a3ee-8f2e4b00b12d

Isaac Nader was your shock winner of the men's 1500 as Niels Laros (5th) and Josh Kerr (injjured) both missed the podium. 2022 champ Jake Wightman got silver with Reynold Cheruiyot bronze. What happened and what was Jakob Ingebrigtsen's affect on the race? Faith Cherotich took the steeplechase as we're halfway done with worlds. Join our club to get podcasts from the rest of Worlds https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe?from=public Show notes: 00:00 (Regular) 00:22 Introduction and Men's 1500m Recap 02:14 In-Depth Analysis of Men's 1500m Race 10:05 Jakob Ibgebrigtsen's impact on race 22:10 Jake Whiteman's Journey and Performance 3 1:29 Wightman audio 32:39 Josh Kerr 39:20 Leading the 1500 & Winning 45:07 Crowd 48:32 Women's Steeplechase 54:16 Americans struggling? 55:39 Americans in steeple 59:53 Men's 400m and 400m Hurdles 01:05:25 Closing Thoughts and Future Events 01:11:06 Fake Josh Kerr Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com 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. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/bef65644-1958-4372-a0be-4c8cdf436007