As attention turns to Monday's Boston Marathon, we have a full preview of the race, including a look at who we think could be wearing their golden laurels on Boylston St. this Patriots' Day.

And as race weekend approaches, I had the privilege to catch up with a true Boston legend. Bill Rodgers joins us to share valuable insights into the course and discuss his highly decorated career in this sport.

And finally, for anyone in Boston this weekend, Elizabeth Pehota from Abbott World Marathon Majors will be joining us to share more about everything happening on race week in Beantown. All this, and more, on Marathon Talk.

On this episode of Marathon Talk:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:57 - We preview the 2026 Boston Marathon
• 13:40- Deena meets a Boston legend, Bill Rodgers joins us on Marathon Talk
• 40:42 - We meet Elizabeth Pehota who will be fronting the Inside The Majors series in Boston
• 52:45 - Martin and Deena wrap up the show

Links & References:

Abbott World Marathon Majors

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Marathon Talk

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Martin Yelling | Instagram

Deena Kastor | Instagram

Elizabeth Pehota | Instagram

We had hoped this week's episode would offer a fascinating insight into the preparation of an elite athlete as they geared up for their next race; however, fate conspired against us, and the day after we recorded it, Conner Mantz had to withdraw from the 130th Boston Marathon.

He did, however, allow us to still publish this episode, and we thank him for that. Hopefully, you'll still enjoy our conversation with the US Marathon record holder and gain some insight into his mindset as he approaches his next major.

Also on the show, we're joined by author Raz Rauf, who has a new book out called This Is Running: A Celebration of the World of Running, exploring the culture, history, brands, races and people behind it. All this, plus a round-up of the biggest stories in the sport on episode 87 of Marathon Talk.

Order your copy of This Is Running here.

On this episode of Marathon Talk:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:55 - Something has gotten Martin very excited.
• 04:39 - Deena was in Chicago for the Shamrock Shuffle
• 08:47 - We discuss a 2-Day TCS London Marathon in 2027?
• 11:56 - Deena speaks with Conner Mantz
• 31:41 - Martin interviews author Raz Rauf about his new book
• 53:20 - Martin and Deena wrap up the show

Links & References:

Abbott World Marathon Majors

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Marathon Talk

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Martin Yelling | Instagram

Deena Kastor | Instagram

Raz Rauf | Instagram

The question everyone wants to know: just how do I get a bib for any of the Majors? We're joined by a Majors veteran, Rob Dalto, to talk us through all the ways you can earn your place at one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Plus, we have lots of news from around the marathon world.

On this episode of Marathon Talk:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 00:50 - Deena tells us all about her time at the LA Marathon
• 02:41 - News Round-Up: LA Marathon
• 11:57 - Jacob Kiplimo breaks the half marathon world record in Lisbon
• 13:47 - Fotyen Tesfay of Ethiopia wins Barcelona 2:10:53, 2nd fastest marathon time
• 18:53 - Eliud Kipchoge to run the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon
• 20:24 - Shanghai passes stage one of AWMM candidate assessment
• 21:52 - Dave is joined by Rob Dalto to talk about how to get into every Abbott World Marathon Major
• 46:00 - Martin and Deena wrap up the show

Links & References:

Abbott World Marathon Majors

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Marathon Talk

Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Martin Yelling | Instagram

Deena Kastor | Instagram

Rob Dalto | Instagram