Running--State of the Sport

In the latest episode of the podcast, "Running: State Of The Sport," George and Amby chat with German Silva, winner of the 1994 and 1995 New York City Marathons. Silva grew up as one of 13 children living in a small Mexican town without electricity. His father thought running was a waste of time. It was better to pick oranges in the local orchard. However, the young Silva fell in love with running, and ran strongly in the steeplechase and 10,000 meters before finding his best distance, the marathon. He now operates a travel agency catering to Mexican marathon runners, and recently finished the Sydney Marathon in sub-3-hours--not bad for an athlete in his late 50s. In this interview, he tells us what happened when he made an infamous "wrong way Silva" turn into Central Park in 1994, and also some of the issues he faced in finishing sixth in the 1996 Olympic Marathon. He also explains his belief in a simple, humble approach to running, and why super shoes might not be the best option for midpack marathon runners. You can learn more about German Silva at: germansilvatours.com . And you can follow him on Instagram here. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. APPLE SPOTIFY YOU TUBE AUDIBLE I HEART POCKETCASTS

Rod Dixon is one of the alltime great runners from New Zealand--a country that has produced far more than its expected share of top runners. This possibly extends from the influence of Arthur Lydiard, the immensely influential New Zealand coach from the early 1960s to the present day. [In this episode, George and Amby also discuss Yomif Kejelcha's half marathon record, Jenny Simpson's health update, and Ethan Strand's 1500-meter win over Cole Hocker and Jacob Ingebrigtsen.] Dixon won an Olympic bronze medal in the 1972 Games in Munich, and returned 4 years later in Montreal to miss another bronze by a whisker in the 5000-meter final. After the Olympic boycott of 1980, Dixon turned increasingly to the roads, and won many big U.S. races. These included: Falmouth, Bay to Breakers, and the Philly Half Marathon. The marathon beckoned and Dixon took on the challenge. In 1983, he won the New York City Marathon in 2:08:59 in one of the most dramatic finishes in NYCM history. He trailed Geoff Smith by a wide margin at 20 miles, but slowly whittled away at the gap until he sprinted past Smith just 200 meters from the finish in Central Park. A famous poster shows Dixon with raised, celebratory arms while Smith writhes in collapse on the road behind the New Zealander. Today Dixon, from Nelson, NZ, at the northernmost edge of the South Island, stays busy working with schools that support his Kids Marathon Foundation, which promotes activity, good nutrition, and wellness for young age groups. More at KidsMarathonFoundation.org WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. APPLE SPOTIFY YOU TUBE AUDIBLE I HEART POCKETCASTS

Pete Pfitzinger was a two-time USA Olympic marathoner, in the 1984 and 1988 Games. He won the '84 Olympic Marathon Trials in a stunning sprint-finish victory over Alberto Salazar, and ran from behind to clinch third place in the 1988 Trials. Pfitzinger always knew how to get the job done, especially at the marathon distance--his speciality. Later he converted his experience and knowledge into a best-selling book, Advanced Marathoning, co-written with Scott Douglas. The book recently was updated with a fourth edition, and is always mentioned as one of the best marathon training books for serious runners. In the late 1990s, Pfitzinger moved to New Zealand with his wife, Chrissie, a New Zealand Olympian. For the next several decades, he served as an executive in several New Zealand organizations aimed at improving opportunity for the country's top athletes. Now retired, he has turned his attention to online coaching at PfitzingerCoaching.com, where he hopes to offer his training knowledge to a modest number of highly-motivated runners. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. APPLE SPOTIFY YOU TUBE AUDIBLE I HEART POCKETCASTS

Paul Gompers has a long history in the marathon and in the pursuit of excellence. It's hard to imagine anyone more competitive than Gompers. He even owns Alter-G treadmills in two separate residences so he can work out twice a day. Gompers ran his first marathon in 1983 while a Harvard freshman. His 2:15:28 in Huntsville, Ala, still stands as an under-20 world record on a eligible course. Four years later, Gompers improved to 2:11:39 at the 1987 Twin Cities Marathon. The following spring, he placed fourth in the 1988 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials behind Mark Conover, Ed Eyestone, and Pete Pfitzinger. Gompers turned next to the study of economics. He has been a professor at the Harvard Business School since 1995, specializing in venture capital and entrepreneurship. About 20 years ago, he learned to swim and began serious training for age-group triathlon, as did his wife Jody, a Boston-area physician. Gompers has since completed four Kona Ironman Triathlons, as well as many others, with top finishes for his age. In recent years, he has also advised Harvard's standout alumni runners, including Graham Blanks and Ben Rosa. For more on Paul Gompers, see this page on Wikipedia. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. APPLE SPOTIFY YOU TUBE AUDIBLE I HEART POCKETCASTS

Back in his college days at Bucknell University, Bob Bickel trained 100 miles/week, and pushed his 10,000-meter time down to an impressive 29:07. Then he took his electrical engineering skills into the tech industry, and enjoyed several modest successes. Next he opened a running retail store in Moorestown, NJ, and a few years later decided he could improve upon existing race registrations platforms. He was right. Run Sign Up has become the dominant road race registration platform in the U.S., because it's simple to use, and free for race directors to implement. What more could a volunteer race director ask for? We spoke to Bob about his own running career, what he learned from the team philosophy that made Bucknell a regional powerhouse in cross-country, and how he views the demographics of road racing in the U.S. today. We were particularly struck by one key statistic. According to Bob, only 6 percent of U.S. race participants participate in the top 100 races--the mega races that get nearly 100 percent of news coverage. In other words, 94 percent of U.S. runners take part in local and regional races. That's what makes the sport so deep and strong. For more about Run Sign Up, check out this 10-minute YouTube video, or read Bob's "Trends Update" for mid-year 2026. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. APPLE SPOTIFY YOU TUBE AUDIBLE I HEART POCKETCASTS

This week’s podcast features an interview with Great Britain’s Paula Radcliffe, one of the best-known names in running for the past 30+ years. Radcliffe first gained international prominence when she won the World Jr. Cross-Country race (on a snowy day in Boston, MA) in 1992. She had a great track career, and then moved up to the marathon, where she enjoyed unparalleled success. Among her biggest wins: three London Marathon titles, and three NYC Marathons. At the 2003 London Marathon, Radcliffe ran a then-almost-unthinkable 2:15:25 to set a world record that lasted for 16 years. It even survived the first several years of the super-shoe onslaught until Brigid Kosgei ran 2:14:04 in the 2019 Chicago Marathon. A little more than a year ago, Radcliffe, then 51, came out of marathon retirement to run the Tokyo and Boston Marathons with finish times in the mid 2:50s. This gave her finishes in the six original Abbott World Marathon Majors races. Radcliffe currently lives in Monaco with her husband, Gary Lough, a well-known coach and agent, and a 15-year-old son, Raphael. Raphael has recently gotten serious about his running, and lowered his 1500-meter best to 3:59. An older daughter, Isla, who had a cancer scare in her teen years, is studying at college in Great Britain. Radcliffe stays deeply involved in the sport through her track and marathon commentary for various TV outlets. She also co-hosts a podcast titled “Paula’s Run Club,” and promotes youth-running opportunities with several organizations. In this conversation, Radcliffe talked in depth about her early running experiences and influences, her peak training, her favorite runners, the current women’s marathon world record (2:09:56, by Ruth Chepngetich), and much more. To learn more about Radcliffe and her activities, check out her Instagram account. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, or other podcast players. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. APPLE SPOTIFY YOU TUBE AUDIBLE I HEART POCKETCASTS

In this week's episode of "Running: State of the Sport," Jared Ward becomes our first two-time guest on the podcast. We can't think of anyone better. Ward placed 6th in the 2016 Rio Olympic Marathon without the super shoes worn by the podium finishers. Neither he nor anyone outside Nike even knew about super shoes at the time. He soon began working with Saucony on that company's line of super shoes, and continued running fast times in major marathons. Ward hit his marathon PR, 2:09:25, in the 2019 Boston Marathon. Perhaps more importantly, he mentored a gaggle of younger BYU graduates like Conner Mantz and Clayton Young to their significant marathon careers. He also helped form the public/private "Run Elite Program" to encourage professional running in Utah while promoting health and fitness to the wider population. After moving his wife and six kids to Oxford, England, where he pursued an Executive Business Administration degree, Ward returned to near-top form this spring. Now 37, he ran a personal best 46:49 for 10 miles at Cherry Blossom, and then finished second in the Pittsburgh Marathon. In this podcast, he explains why BYU running has reached such a high level, and what he sees in his own running and business future. For more about Ward, see his profile on the Run Elite website. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple Spotify Audible Pandora I Heart Radio Pocket Casts YouTube " Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

Oz Pearlman is a well-known mentalist-entertainer and a less-well-known marathon and ultramarathon runner. However, his record on the roads and trails is just about as impressive as his mindreading tricks. Pearlman, 43, has run a 2:23 marathon, a 2:25 at Boston, and finished the Western States 100, the Badwater 135, and the Spartathlon in Greece. Recently, he was the planned entertainer at the White House Correspondents dinner in Washington, D.C.--the evening interrupted by gun shots and an apparent assassination attempt. Pearlman was crouched between President Trump and press secretary Karoline Leavitt, attempting to guess the name of her unborn child, when the first shots were heard. A moment later, he was caught in the swarm of Secret Service agents who stormed in to protect Trump, and lead him to safety. In this podcast, Pearlman chillingly describes the scene, including the fear he felt for himself and his wife and friends in attendance. He also talks about his early days in marathon running when he knew virtually nothing about the sport, and what he needed to learn before he became more successful. He's particularly insightful in explaining some of the shared mental strategies between his on-stage performances and in the last miles of a marathon or ultra. For more about Pearlman, check out his website or his Instagram feed. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple Spotify Audible Pandora I Heart Radio YouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

Amby and George go it alone to review the recent Boston and Lo ndon Marathons. And, wow, is there a lot to review: A sub-2:00 hour world record by Sebastian Sawe at London, a new course record by John Korir at Boston, and a new women-only world record at London for Tigst Assefa. And plenty of hot action beside these three brilliant performances. We get into all the details--the latest Adidas shoes, consistent negative-split running, carb fueling, bicarb use, and an unusual number of strong American performances, both men and women, at Boston.

Marty Dugard began writing for Runner's World in the late 1980s, gained more notice as the best-selling coauthor of Bill O'Reilly's "Killing" series of books--Lincoln, Kennedy, Jesus, etc--and now has returned to running with The Long Run. It's a epic, fast-moving history of running (and especially marathon running) from roughly 1970 to Joan Benoit's victory in the 1984 Olympic Marathon, with a few throwbacks to Pheidippides, Bill Bowerman, and others. You'll meet the people and moments that shaped running as we know it today. Dugard isn't just a writer of historical non-fiction. He's been deeply immersed in running and running culture since his teen years. For the last 15 years, he has been coaching high school cross-country teams in California, several of which have won state championships. For more on Dugard, you can follow his regular blogs at MartinDugard.com WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple Spotify Audible Pandora I Heart Radio YouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

In this episode of the podcast “Running: State of the Sport,” we interview American superstar Grant Fisher. Fisher is one of the greatest American distance track runners ever. He has run the fastest American times ever in the 3000, 5000, and 10,000 meters, and he won bronze medals in both the 10,000 and 5000 at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Most recently, Fisher completed his first serious road race in the super-competitive New York City Half Marathon. And he finished the tough course in a fast 60:53, although that was only good enough for 14th place.Now Fisher faces one of the toughest decisions of his running career: Should he switch to the marathon for the 2028 Olympics, or stick with the track? In this pod, he analyzes the pros and cons of his thinking on this important question.Fisher also talks about the full arc of his legendary running career. In high school in Michigan, he won two Footlocker XC Championships, and ran a 3:59 mile. He then ran successfully for four years at Stanford before signing a Nike contract and running with the Bowerman TC. Two years ago, he moved from Oregon to Park City, Utah, to reunite with his former high school coach, Mike Scannell. The pairing has worked well, especially in Paris. The whole running world will be watching Fisher’s racing the next two years as he positions himself for the LA 2028 Olympics. In this pod, he explains where he is today, and where he hopes to go.For more about Fisher, check out his Instagram account. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple Spotify Audible Pandora I Heart Radio YouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

Jack Fultz is the only runner to have finished first in the Boston Marathon, and also last. In this new podcast, Fultz talks about both memorable experiences. In April, Fultz celebrates the 50th anniversary of his epic victory in the 1976 "Run For The Hoses"--the hottest race in Boston's 129 year history. He didn't run particularly fast that day, 2:20:19, but who runs fast in 90-degree heat. Two years later, in better conditions, Fultz returned to finish 4th in 2:11:17. For the last several decades, Fultz has been coaching the big Dana Farber charity team that raises funds to fight cancer. During that period, 95% of his runners, often beginners or little experienced runners, have completed the Boston course. Fultz's history with these runners has made him a foremost authority on how to train for Boston's challenging course, and how to pace yourself on Marathon Day itself. Many of his tips are more analytical and nuanced than you can find anywhere else. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport."With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple Spotify Audible Pandora I Heart Radio YouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

Jeff Galloway, who died recently may have been the world's most influential and beloved running ambassador. In this podcast, we speak primarily with his wife, Barbara, and also with his son, Westin, and his co-coach, Chris Twiggs. Galloway was an Olympian in his competitive days, and also winner of the first Atlanta Marathon (1963) and the first Peachtree Road Race (1970). In those early days, no one could have imagined that running would be a massive participant sport on a global scale. Galloway did as much or more than anyone else to make the present-day miracle happen. In literally thousands of clinic and talks, he spread a simple message: Yes, you can. You can run more than you have believed, and you will become a mentally and physically healthier person as you do.Importantly, Galloway had a training plan to accompany his words. This was the now-famous Run-Walk-Run approach, also called "Jeffing" by many. While some runners initially scoffed at the idea of walking during a workout or marathon race, others followed his inspiration and his instruction. And they succeeded. And they told friends that the program worked. Before long, a small trickle of run-walk-run fans became millions, and the fitness world at large was forced to acknowledge Galloway's genius, method, and impact. His passing was met with an outpouring of love and thank-you messages, particularly on this Facebook page. Major media around the world also noted Jeff's life and accomplishments. Many of these articles are currently linked from the home page at JeffGalloway.com. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport."With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple Spotify Audible Pandora I Heart Radio YouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels."Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

In the past four years, few if any American runners have posted results better than Graham Blanks. In his last two fall seasons at Harvard, Blanks won the NCAA Div. 1 Cross-Country Championships. After graduation, he qualified for the Paris Olympics, the 2025 Tokyo World Championships, and the 2026 World XC Championships in Tallahassee. After Tallahassee, Blanks ran two strong indoor races in the New Balance Games in Boston and the Millrose Games in New York City. At Millrose, he hit 8:08.60 in the 2-mile. Now he looks to the future. It's a future in which he believes he can continue to improve on the track, and even win global competitions. (First he has to work on his kick.) Of course, he can't help but wonder about the marathon. One of his less-accomplished Harvard teammates, Ben Rosa, already ran a 2:09:47 in December, 2025. He and Blanks plan to hook up again for some tough training sessions later this year. We imagine there will be much marathon talk on their grinding 20-milers. In addition, one of Blanks's advisors at Harvard was professor Paul Gompers, also known as the fourth place finisher in the 1988 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. While some other top collegians have switched to corporate/professional coaches in their post-University days, Blanks is still working with Harvard coach Alex Gibby. A hallmark of their program? Blanks and Gibby don't believe in the "easy days" that underpin many other training plans. Even on slower days, Blanks almost never dials things back any further than 6:00/mile. He figures this means he is always adding to his aerobic development. He does take one day off per week, usually Thursday. You can follow Graham Blanks on Instagram . WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple Spotify Audible Pandora I Heart Radio YouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

Born in Canada and educated mostly in the United States, Brett Larner has lived and run in Japan for the last 30 years. There, he began JapanRunningNews.blogspot.com to help the English speaking world understand more about the whys and hows of Japanese running. There's a lot to learn. After the East African countries, Japan has long led the rest of the globe in marathon success. For a time, Japanese running was mainly confined to a number of smallish, but super-elite annual marathons. However, the rapid growth of the Tokyo Marathon, now a World Marathon Major, has introduced mass participation running to a culture already attuned to elite competitions. Larner explains a number of historical reasons for Japanese success, especially among male runners. These include the unique ekiden relay races so popular in Japan, especially one--the Hakone Ekiden, at the beginning of each New Year--that rivets the entire country much as the Super Bowl does in the U.S. Also, Japan has a system of corporate running teams where the athletes are actual company employees and not just sponsored superstars. This system may encourage more everyday runners, and even non runners, to become supporters of the country's best distance elites. You can learn more about Brett Larner at the above website, or from his JRNHeadlines account on X.com. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple Spotify Audible Pandora I Heart Radio YouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

After two wins and a second-place finish at Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN, Dakotah Popehn, then Lindwurm, burst onto the national scene with her third-place finish in the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, she finished first among USA runners with a strong 12th place. Since Paris, Popehn has gotten married and improved her marathon PR to 2:24:20. She was hoping for much more, which she discusses in this podcast. In fact, she hopes to eventually break the American Record in the marathon. Unlike many other elites, Popehn was not a high school and college star. Her first love as a youth athlete was hockey; she played the goalie position. She improved dramatically in her mid-20s through years of consistent, dedicated training with Minnesota Distance Elite. She gives much credit to head coach Chris Lundstrom and her teammates like Annie Frisbie. You can learn more about Dakotah Popehn by following her on Instagram. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple Spotify Audible Pandora I Heart Radio YouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

Who won? In global marathons 2025, several of the biggest races ended in near photo finishes. Here Benson Kipruto edges out Alexander Mutiso in the NYC Marathon. Kipruto became the first male marathoner to have won Boston, Chicago, and New York in his career. (Ingrid Kristiansen has achieved the Triple for females.) Other male marathon highlights: Sebastian Sawe won his second and third big marathons (London; Berlin) in three marathon starts, all with times in the low 2:02s. His 2:02:16 in Berlin, after extensive pre-race drug testing, was the fastest time of the year. And American Conner Mantz took a big chunk off the American Record for the marathon when he ran 2:04:43 at Chicago. On the women's side, Peres Jepchirchir won a thrilling World Championships Marathon in Tokyo, but then couldn't hold off Joyciline Jepkosgei in Valencia in December. Jepkosgei won there in 2:14:00, the fastest time of the year. The World Championships produced a surprising result in the men's 5000 and 10,000 when seven of the top ten finishers (including both winners) were NOT from East Africa. Cole Hocker picked up his second gold medal in two years, winning the 5000 in Tokyo after taking the 1500 in the Paris Olympics.In the women's springs, Melissa Jefferson Wooden was the standout of the year, winning almost everything she entered by a wide margin. For some reason we can't fathom, World Athletics didn't name her the top female speedster of the year, giving the nod to Sydney McLaughlin Levrone, who was sensational as always. But ...??? And those high schoolers, OMG! A 16 year old high school sophomore from Texas, Cooper Lutkenhaus, finished second in the USATF National Champs 800 with a time of 1:42.27. That approaches the unimaginable. Jane Hedengren posted record performance after record performance in 2025, first as a high school runner in Utah, then as a first year student at BYU. Lutkenhaus and Hedengren are already being termed "generational talents" and they might hit that lofty peak in another year or two. Possibly the biggest story of the year, and a depressing one, was the implosion of Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track league. It didn't draw big fan crowds, and turned out not to have sufficient funds to pay all creditors. Now in bankruptcy court but claiming it hopes to continue, GST will continue as a big story in 2026. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple Spotify Audible Pandora I Heart Radio YouTube " Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

Early in his career, Jeff Galloway won the first marathon he entered in 1963, won the first Peachtree Classic 10K on July 4, 1970, made the 1972 U.S. Olympic team at 10,000 meters, and ran the Houston Marathon in 2:16+. Later in his life, Galloway made much bigger contributions. For the last 40 years he has focused his attention on teaching beginning and intermediate (and injured) runners how they can use his Run-Walk-Run method to get fit, avoid injuries, and maybe run faster than they had imagined possible. Few if any other elite runners have made such a complete transition from the front of the pack to the middle and back. Along the way, Galloway has transformed the lives of untold thousands of his followers. He also kept running marathons, though now usually in 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, and occasionally even 6 hours. There was nothing wrong with slow, he argued (and showed). It was all about maintaining your body in good enough shape to keep moving forward. Galloway more than practiced what he preached. He went to new frontiers. Several weeks ago, it appeared that he would become the first person known to complete a marathon in 8 consecutive decades of life--from the teens into the 80s. Then "The Universe seemed to develop another plan for me," as he put it. A household accident led to a leg injury that prevented his travel to Honolulu. That's unlikely to stop Galloway for long. The Universe has tossed him obstacles in the past, and he has always developed a new approach to keeping fit and healthy. He'll no doubt follow that path as long as he can. For more on Jeff Galloway and his coaching, training plans, and camps, visit JeffGalloway.com. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport."With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple Spotify Audible Pandora I Heart Radio YouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.

Dathan Ritzenhein has been a headliner in American distance running for more than 25 years now, ever since his sensational high school career in Rockford, Michigan. He finished 8th-1st-1st in three successive Footlocker appearances, including an epic race in 2000 against Alan Webb and Ryan Hall. After high school, Ritzehein starred at the University of Colorado and as a professional runner for Nike. He achieved best times of 12:56 for 5000 meters, and 2:07:47 in the marathon. Since 2000, Ritzehein has been head coach of the On Athletics Club (OAC) in Boulder, which he has nurtured from a small, underfinanced group to a global power. Recently, his athletes won the steeplechase gold medal in the Tokyo World Championships (Geordie Beamish) and set a big female course record in winning the New York City Marathon (Hellen Obiri). Also in New York, Joe Klecker made a strong marathon debut with his 2:10:37. In this podcast interview, Ritzenhein talks about all the above, plus the evolution of his philosophy of training and racing, as well as the major changes in training, shoes, and supplements he has seen in the last 10 years. For more on the OAC, go here. The Club's Instagram page is here. Dathan's listing on Wikipedia is here. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport." With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple Spotify Audible Pandora I Heart Radio YouTube

In the running world, Nick Thompson is known for accomplishments like his 2:29:13 in the 2019 Chicago Marathon at age 44, and his outright win in last April's Lake Waramaug 50-mile in Connecticut at age 49. In the business world, he is more known as the past editor-in-chief of Wired magazine, and the current CEO of The Atlantic, founded in 1857. He is almost certainly the fastest marathon runner among CEOs of a significant company. In late October, Penguin Random House published Thompson's running memoir, titled The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of Sports. It traces the evolution of his own running, his relationship with his complex, multi-faceted dad, and other interesting runners he has met on the road, including Bobbi Gibb. In this podcast with George and Amby, Thompson discusses his busy life, his growing interest in ultras, his thoughts on health and aging, and his views of high-tech running devices-- both those he likes and those he doesn't like. For more about Thompson, visit his website. To read a free selection of his running essays, visit this page. Topics range from how to run fast past age 40 to why the Boston Marathon is a deceptively difficult course. Here, also, are some recent video interviews with Thompson. Seven minutes on CBS Sunday Morning, and 2 hours with Rich Roll. WHERE TO FIND "RUNNING: STATE OF THE SPORT" Use your smartphone to download our podcast from Apple, Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube Podcasts. Once you've selected your favorite app, search for "running state of the sport."With your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you can also listen direct to “Running: State of the Sport” at the below internet links. Apple Spotify Audible Pandora I Heart Radio YouTube "Running: State of the Sport" is brought to you by MarathonHandbook.com and RunLongRunHealthy.com. Marathon Handbook is the world’s leading marathon website, with a special focus on trustworthy running information and free, runner-tested training plans for all ability levels. "Run Long, Run Healthy" is a weekly newsletter focused on the newest, most scientific, and most useful training advice for runners. It was launched by Amby in 2021, and is now edited by Brady Holmer, exercise physiologist and 2:24 marathon runner.