The Marathon Handbook Podcast recaps the second half of the 2025 running season, unpacking the year’s biggest stories across track, road, and trail. We dive into the collapse of the Grand Slam Track League (01:45), Sydney’s controversial debut as a World Marathon Major (15:55), standout performances from the Tokyo World Championships (27:50), and unforgettable marathon moments from Berlin (48:20), Chicago (54:10), New York (01:19:30), and Valencia (01:38:30). The crew also debates Harry Styles’ sub-3 marathon, Connor Mantz’s American record, Kilian Jornet’s historic mountain project, Courtney Dauwalter’s road-racing pivot, the Enhanced Games controversy (01:32:45), and what all of this means for the future of running heading into 2026.

This episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: ⁠livemomentous.com📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com.🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📘 Facebook: @marathonhandbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments.🎧 Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.📺 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.

#running #marathon #runningnews #trackandfield #worldrecord #marathontraining #runnersofyoutube #marathonhandbook

In Part 1 of our 2025 Year in Review, the Marathon Handbook team breaks down the biggest storylines from January through July. We open with Conner Mantz’s American record in Houston (01:30), then move into February’s world-record spree — from Yared Nuguse’s indoor mile to Jacob Kiplimo’s 56:42 half marathon (10:10). We relive the March Tokyo Marathon (11:40), then the Boston–London doubleheader in April, including John Korir’s dramatic win (16:00) and the Obiri–Lokedi showdown (17:30). We examine whether the marathon majors have grown too big (26:30) before heading into the mountains for a brutal no-finisher Barkley year (30:00). June brings Nike’s Breaking4 experiment with Faith Kipyegon (34:40), followed by her 1500m world record rebound (42:00) and Beatrice Chebet’s stunning sub-14 5K (49:00). We wrap with Western States, UTMB (53:00), and July’s devastating revelation: Ruth Chepngetich’s doping ban and its implications for the sport (1:00:00). Part 2 (Aug–Dec 2025) arrives next week.Part 2 (August–December) drops next week!This episode is presented by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: ⁠livemomentous.com

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Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.

Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.

In this episode, Michael Doyle and Jessy Carveth deliver an almost-instant reaction to the 2025 Valencia Marathon, starting with Jessy’s on-the-ground report of the city’s electric atmosphere and why this race has become the destination for fast times (00:09). They break down the course, weather, and astounding depth that led to more than 5,500 sub-3 finishes (08:46). The team dives into John Korir’s dramatic mid-race drop followed by a massive surge that secured him the win (14:24), plus a wave of national records (33:27). Then they power-rank the men’s marathon stars of 2025 and debate whether anyone alive can break two hours (22:15). The women’s race delivered fireworks too, with Jocelyn Jepkosgei outdueling Olympic champ Perez Jepchirchir in a dominant course-record run (42:02). They also cover American performances (48:19), Melinda Elmore’s astonishing age-graded result (50:32), and whether Valencia should become a World Marathon Major (54:26). A packed episode from a wild race weekend.

This episode is brought to you by the Wahoo’s KICKR RUN – go to https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order.📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com.🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📘 Facebook: @marathonhandbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments.🎧 Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.📺 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.

#ValenciaMarathon #MarathonHandbook #RunningPodcast #MarathonNews #EliteRunning #RoadRacing

Today on the Marathon Handbook Podcast, we take you inside The Running Event for a deep dive into the future of running shoes. From the exploding gravel category to major durability upgrades, next-gen super trainers, and adidas’ secret prototypes, we break down which brands are innovating — and which ones might be falling behind. This is the most detailed look yet at the shoes shaping 2026 and beyond.

This episode is brought to you by the Wahoo’s KICKR RUN – go to ⁠https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order!

And by Momentous. Use promo code MARATHON for up to 35% off your first order: ⁠livemomentous.com

📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com.🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📘 Facebook: @marathonhandbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments.🎧 Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.📺 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.

#RunningShoes #2026Trends #SuperShoes #MarathonHandbook #TheRunningEvent #TRE2024 #RunningGear #TrailRunning #RoadRunning #RunningPodcast

In this episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, the team reveals the Best Running Shoes of 2025, breaking down every major category—from Best New Shoe (32:35) to Best Daily Trainer (42:55), Best Stability Shoe (48:40), Best Super Trainer (54:15), the hotly debated Super Shoe of the Year (1:12:25), Most Innovative Shoe (1:28:05), Best Lineup (1:32:05), and finally the official 2025 Shoe of the Year (1:40:00). We kick things off with a fun “What Shoe Brand Are You?” debate (00:48) and a detailed listener question about achieving a sub-4 marathon at CIM (6:50). We share race-week stories from Philadelphia (24:40), dive into tech trends shaping next year’s shoes, and preview what we expect to see at TRE in San Antonio (1:49:00). A packed episode for shoe geeks, racers, and everyday runners alike.

This episode is brought to you by the Wahoo’s KICKR RUN – go to ⁠https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get 25% OFF FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY, plus a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order!📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com.🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📘 Facebook: @marathonhandbook📰 Join 270,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments.🎧 Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.📺 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.

#RunningShoes #MarathonTraining #SuperShoes #RunningPodcast #Marathon #2025RunningShoes #ShoeReview #running

This episode is brought to you by the Wahoo’s KICKR RUN – go to ⁠https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get 25% OFF FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY, plus a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order!

In this episode, Michael Doyle and Alex Cyr tackle a big question: What is the best American marathon that isn’t a World Marathon Major? Using their Philadelphia Marathon Weekend experience as a catalyst, they break down the traits of a true “Great American Marathon,” from elite-friendly course design (03:48) to race-day logistics (18:35), spectator experience (15:10), and city identity (41:00). They compare Philly to other top contenders such as CIM, Grandma’s, Houston, and Twin Cities (22:00), while also examining how mid-sized races often outperform majors in value, execution, and overall runner experience. If you’re choosing your next big marathon, this deep dive is required listening.

📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com.🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📘 Facebook: @marathonhandbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments.🎧 Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.📺 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.

#MarathonRunning #PhiladelphiaMarathon #GreatAmericanMarathon #RunningPodcast #RoadRacing #MarathonTraining #CIM #GrandmasMarathon #HoustonMarathon

This episode is brought to you by the Wahoo’s KICKR RUN – go to ⁠https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get 25% OFF FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY, plus a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order!

In this episode of The Marathon Handbook Podcast, Michael, Alex, and Katelyn recap the biggest moments of 2025 and reveal their Men’s, Women’s, and Overall Runners of the Year. After catching up on listener questions and welcoming news editor Jessy Carveth (01:36), the team previews The Running Event and 2026 shoe launches (04:10), then dives into their own race plans (05:36). The debate kicks off with the men’s finalists (21:57), culminating in a spirited vote (39:52). The crew then breaks down the women’s finalists, including Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, and Tigist Assefa (44:48), before naming the women’s winner (58:55) and ultimately the 2025 overall Runner of the Year (01:07:15).

📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com.🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📘 Facebook: @marathonhandbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments.🎧 Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.📺 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.

#running #marathon #trackandfield #runnersoftheyear #distancerunning #marathonhandbook #runningpodcast #supershoes #faithkipyegon #connermantz

Content Advisory: This episode includes adult subject matter, including sexual content. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, Michael Doyle speaks with Nick Thompson — CEO of The Atlantic and author of the new book The Running Ground: A Father, A Son, and the Simplest of Sports — about how he became faster in his 40s and why that journey uncovered a deeper story about grief, trauma, psychology, and the complexities of the father–son bond. Nick explains the book’s origins (02:04), how cancer shaped his mindset (04:09), and why writing candidly about his father was both terrifying and necessary (06:06). He recounts his father’s extraordinary life (07:15), how running kept them connected (11:59), and why midlife can break or remake us (47:12).

The conversation digs into training nerdery, including mileage and threshold work (23:05), diet and supplements (26:54), gear choices and heart-rate breakthroughs (28:59), and the central governor theory (31:10). Nick also shares insights on AI and future training tech (32:45), the powerful story of Michael Westphal (38:35), how he knew the book was finished (45:05), and what running means to him now as he chases new goals (53:21).

This episode is brought to you by the Wahoo’s KICKR RUN – go to https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get 25% OFF FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY, plus a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order!

📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com.🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook📘 Facebook: @marathonhandbook📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter👍 Like, subscribe, and drop your questions in the comments.🎧 Audio version available wherever you get podcasts + watch the video version on Spotify.📺 Subscribe on YouTube for weekly running deep dives.

#NickThompson #RunningAfter40 #MarathonTraining #MasterAthlete #RunningMotivation #MarathonHandbook #RunningPodcast #runningbooks #nicholasthompson #TheAtlantic #runninglit